Harlow: Man Bailed Over Syria 'Fraud'

5 March 2014, 10:53 | Updated: 5 March 2014, 11:00

Eight men, including one from Essex, who were arrested by police investigating charity fraud involving thousands of pounds intended to help people in Syria have been released on bail.

The suspects were arrested at addresses across the UK on Tuesday morning by Kent Police after more than £45,000 was seized at the Port of Dover on December 23rd, 2012.

The money - £31,816, plus 8,310 euros (£6,857) and 10,700 US dollars (£6,413) - which had come from four UK-based charities, was taken by police who believed it could be used for criminal or terrorist activities.

Two men aged 30 and 39 from Derby, a 36-year-old man from Harlow, two men aged 29 and 37 from east London, a 31-year-old man from south east London, a 35-year-old man from Dewsbury, and a 43-year-old from Huddersfield, both in West Yorkshire, have all been bailed until September 1st.

Mr Hogben advised people to use the online register of charities on the Charity Commission website to check whether an organisation is legitimate before making a donation.

Anyone with information relating to the fraudulent use of charity finds should call Kent Police's hotline on 07964 132889.