Saturday 3 March 2012

‘Ello, ‘Ello, ‘Ello!, What’s Been Goin’ On, ‘Ere, Look You*?

Well, it took awhile – far, far too long, actually - but the police are finally involved:
Police have confirmed they are investigating allegations of dishonesty among staff at the race relations charity Awema.
What kept you?
Det Insp Dave Runnalls of the South Wales Police Economic Crime Unit said: "I can confirm that South Wales Police is investigating allegations of dishonesty by Awema personnel."

Internal auditors in the Welsh government inquiry found a "complete lack of oversight of the financial processes and controls" at the Swansea-based charity.

It said charity funds were used to pay for gym memberships for staff worth £2,120, rugby and cricket tickets totalling £800, and a £110 parking fine for Mr Malik.

It also said there was a "clear conflict of interest" because one of the charity's directors reporting to Mr Malik was his daughter Tegwen. There were "considerable increases" in her salary from £20,469 to £50,052.
It shouldn’t really have come as a surprise, though:
The Welsh government has said it will try to protect as much public money as possible in the accounts of Awema.

However, opposition parties have demanded answers after it emerged there were warnings about Awema in 2002, 2004 and 2007 but funding was still given to it.
Well, of course it was! Gotta protect that ‘diversity’ rating, eh? And the chair is wisely keeping her mouth shut for a change, rather than flopping around like a gaffed marlin, blaming everything on prejudice...
A statement on the Awema website on 17 February by its chair Dr Rita Austin said that an administrator would be appointed to take control of Awema's business and assets from the charity trustees, and close the business.

Dr Austin said at that time that following the Welsh government's report, the Awema board had decided to "summarily dismiss with immediate effect the chief executive officer and the finance director".

"The Awema board is resolved to provide a proper duty of care towards our staff as Awema moves towards closure, and is taking all necessary steps to do so," she added.
One to watch…

* with deepest apologies to Antisthenes ;)

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Economic Crime Unit = Fraud Squad I suppose?

Anyway here is a little equation that can help in the future.

Charity + Government Grants + Racial Politics
=
FRAUD.

Antisthenes said...

I see you have a link to my incoherent ramblings. Serves me right. Left leaning Welsh assembly so by definition incompetent. It is no wonder fraudsters and the like will find ways to take advantage.

Anonymous said...

Gosh you have only just woken up to the fact that the police are corrupt. How quaint!

jaded said...

Sorry, have the police stolen any money here half-wit? Or is it your diverse left -wing chums with sticky fingers?

Right beats left said...

Ciaran Rehill: police corrupt? Could it be that some of them are following the glorious traditions of the many murderous left-wing and communist thugs? Indeed, your avatar shows one such chap.

I am sure you are overjoyed that there are some difficulties within the British police, because in your idealised but utterly soulless world there would be nothing but a true police state to ensure you certainly would not be allowed to comment on the state. As you well know.

Anonymous said...

Here is an even simpler equation:

islam = corruption

JuliaM said...

"Economic Crime Unit = Fraud Squad I suppose?"

I guess so, I expect someone complained that the former title was 'too judgements'.. *rolls eyes*

"It is no wonder fraudsters and the like will find ways to take advantage."

Yup, these sorts of 'charities' are fertile hunting grounds for a certain type.

"Here is an even simpler equation:

islam = corruption"


It could be said that their peculiar approach to finance encourages the mindset, to be sure.

Anonymous said...

One might wonder what the Charity Commission was up to in all this. These boyos are likely guilty of not knowing how to cook the books.

ReefKnot said...

What's the betting this organisation closes then opens up again with a different name in a few months time, still feeding on taxpayer's money ?