article_snippet: There are also concerns that donations to British aid organisations are being diverted to terrorists.
article_snippet: The Charity Commission is scrutinising 86 foundations The Charity Commission believes could be at risk from extremism.
article_snippet: The Charity Commission has launched full-scale investigations into four charities operating in the Middle East, including the group that hostage Alan Henning was working for when Alan Henning was kidnapped and later killed.
article_snippet: High street banks are closing or freezing accounts held by UK charities working in conflict zones, a think tank claimed yesterday.
article_snippet: Salaries paid to the bank accounts of aid workers who live outside UK UK have also been delayed or blocked, the Overseas Development Institute said.
article_snippet: Tom Keatinge, a researcher for the ODI, said: ‘Tens of thousands of people in conflict areas such as Syria, Somalia and Gaza are depending on the life-saving assistance provided by UK charities, but these are precisely the locations that present the highest risks to banks under counter-terrorism legislation.
article_snippet: ’ the ODI wants the Treasury to give improved guidance on how banks, credit card firms, online donation websites and internet payment companies can comply with the law without adversely affecting legitimate aid activities.
article_snippet: the ODI also recommends that charities ensure charities funds are adequately safeguarded from financing terrorism.
article_snippet: One charity, which asked to remain anonymous, has been forced to give up donations worth £2million over the last 12 months as a result of funds being blocked by a bank.
article_snippet: Speaking at the time, she urged the public to be careful when donating to charities to ensure charities money is not diverted by 'undesirable individuals'.