Former HIV charity chief charged with fraud over finances
A former charity boss has been charged with fraud, the Sunday Mail can reveal.
HIV Scotland’s former chief executive Nathan Sparling, a former aide to ex-SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson, was reported to police over concerns.
The charity, which has supported people with HIV for 30 years, announced it was to shut last month.
HIV Scotland received around £400,000 a year, which included Scottish Government cash.
Complaints were previously raised with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) about spending on consultancy fees, meeting expenses and salary advances totalling £11,000.
Sparling, who became HIV Scotland CEO in December 2018, stepped down in December
2020 before the fraud allegations came to light.
Last night, police confirmed Starling had been charged.
A police spokeswoman said: “In February 2021, we received a report of a possible fraud at a premises in York Place, Edinburgh. Enquiries were carried out and a 32-yearold man was arrested and charged in connection with financial offences.
“A report was sent to the procurator fiscal.”
Sparling previously toured Scotland for comedy gigs dressed as drag queen Nancy Clench.
HIV Scotland’s accounts state: “During the year to March 31, 2021, the former CEO was advanced funds amounts to £11,540 and repayments of £5012 were received leaving a balance due from the CEO of £6298 at the year-end. During the year to March 31, 2021, the former CEO resigned.”
In April 2021, HIV Scotland undertook an independent governance review following concerns about overspending.
Five board members also stepped down after new chief executive Alastair Hudson replaced Sparling in January, while six out of seven staff resigned or were made redundant.
The charity was reported by the charities watchdog as having failed to file information on its finances by a deadline of March 31, 2021. The OSCR said organisattions had been given nine-month extensions due to the pandemic.
In a statements iissuedd lastlt month, the charity blamed the closure on “significant challenges” with board members “unable to identify a unifying solution that would allow the charity to resume functionality”.
An OSCR spokesman said: “OSCR is aware of these matters and we have engaged with the charity. We cannot comment any further at this time.”
HIV Scotland did not respond to the Sunday Mail’s request for comment.
The Crown Office said: “A report regarding a 32-yearold man has been received and is under consideration by the procurator fiscal.”
Sparling was asked to comment.