Ex-soldiers’ charity trio arrested in fraud probe

THE bosses of a charity that has raised tens of thousands of pounds for homeless Army veterans have been arrested on suspicion of secretly pocketing public donations.

Three directors of Soldiers Off The Street are alleged to have abused their positions to obtain funds intended to pay for vulnerable former troops to be rehoused, clothed and fed.

The Mail on Sunday understands that those arrested include the charity’s chairman Bill Murray, 66, who was previously the British National Party’s secretary for Wales.

Mr Murray, from Prestatyn, was arrested with his wife Maria, 45, who acted as secretary. The third person is understood to be a former director, Christopher Robinson, 54, from Abergele, Clwyd.

All three have been released on police bail and no charges have been made at this stage.

It was unclear last night how much money is involved. Accounts submitted to Companies House reveal that in 2015 the homeless charity had funds of £77,097.

The Mail on Sunday can reveal the Charity Commission is working with trustees of Soldiers Off The Street after concerns were raised about breaches of charity regulations.

The charity raises money at stalls in town centres and through its website and social media accounts. It says that all donations go to the running of Soldiers Off The Street and helping homeless ex-Service personnel.

A spokesman for British Transport Police, which often investigates charity fraud, said last night: ‘I can confirm we are investigating an allegation of fraud involving three people. The offence relates to allegations of charity trustees gaining financially, and is believed to have taken place between 2010 and 2016.’

A Charity Commission spokesman said: ‘The Commission has been engaging with the trustees to address its regulatory concerns.’

Mr and Mrs Murray, Mr Robinson and the charity were all unavailable for comment last night.