Charities warned against the use of cash couriers

27/02/2017

Following a number of recent cases involving the seizure of charitable funds, The Charity Commission has published an alert to advise charities against the use of cash couriers.

The alert has been published in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police Service, who, over the last 2 years, have seized approximately £4 million at ports and borders. This has included cash being carried by representatives of charities and individuals who claimed cash to be charitable.

Cash couriering is a high risk activity for any organisation or individual and is a well-known method used by terrorists and criminals. The effects of cash seizure for genuine charities at UK borders means beneficiaries are losing out.

The Charity Commission has recognised that charities that work or support activities internationally need to move money across international borders. Within this alert they have issued guidance on safeguarding funds being moved internationally.

View the Charity Commission’s alert in full by clicking here.

For more information on transferring charitable funds contact Elizabeth Irvine.