Re: Spacnation
Posted by:
Loriwoke
()
Date: January 28, 2020 06:39AM
Hi Facet,
It appears from all the reports that investigations are ongoing and the figures will be part of that....according to the Dec press s release
Press release
Charity regulator opens inquiry into SPAC Nation
Commission orders charity to bank all cash to investigate financial controls
Published 13 December 2019
From:
The Charity Commission
placeholder
The Charity Commission has today announced the opening of a statutory inquiry into the charity SPAC Nation (1152988). The inquiry will examine financial, governance and safeguarding matters at the charity.
SPAC Nation is a charity set up to advance Christianity. Much of its charitable work is based in London, working particularly with young people.
SPAC Nation has been subject to a regulatory compliance case since April 2018, which was opened to examine safeguarding and financial concerns about the charity.
In June 2019, as part of the compliance case, the Commission issued the charity with an action plan, receiving as expected a response from the trustees in November 2019. Some of this information raised further concerns about the charity’s financial controls, policy and procedures.
Of immediate concern to the Commission is that substantial amounts of charity money are held in cash. As a protective measure, the Commission has issued an order under Section 84 of the Charities Act, requiring the charity to bank its money.
The Commission is also concerned about the apparent lack of clarity between the personal, business and charity roles of leaders within the charity.
The national media reported on the charity over the autumn of 2019, when several individuals alleged they had been encouraged to give money to the charity and/or individuals connected to the charity by taking on personal debt.
The Commission has opened this inquiry to examine matters further. The inquiry will look into the charity’s governance, its management and its policies and practices with regard to safeguarding and people protection issues, financial issues and risk management, particularly in relation to:
• Whether the charity’s safeguarding practices are adequate and the extent to which the Charity’s beneficiaries are being placed at risk;
• The extent to which the financial assets of the charity have been placed at risk by the charity operating largely outside of its current bank account and previously without a bank account;
• The extent to which the trustees are managing the risks, including reputational risks, to the charity caused by recent and ongoing negative publicity in relation to the charity.
The Commission may extend the scope of the inquiry if additional regulatory issues emerge. An inquiry is not in itself a finding of wrongdoing.
A Charity Commission spokesperson said:
Charities exist to improve lives and strengthen society; the issues that have been raised related to SPAC Nation in recent weeks are highly concerning, even more so as the allegations are entirely at odds with the expectations about the way that charities will operate. The opening of this inquiry is an important step that will allow us to examine these concerns further and establish the facts. We will seek to provide assurance to the public and the community that these matters will be considered fully and, where necessary, resolved.
It is the Commission’s policy, after it has concluded an inquiry, to publish a report detailing what issues the inquiry looked at, what actions were undertaken as part of the inquiry and what the outcomes were.
Reports of previous inquiries by the Commission are available on GOV.UK.
Ends.
Notes to Editors
The inquiry opened on 5 December 2019.
The Charity Commission is the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales; our role is to regulate charity trustees’ compliance with the charity law framework.
The Commission does not investigate criminal matters.
Press office
Email
pressenquiries@charitycommission.gov.uk
Press enquiries - office hours
0300 065 2123
Press enquiries - out of hours
07785 748787
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Published 13 December 2019
It appears from all the reports that investigations are ongoing and the figures will be part of that....according to the Dec press s release
Press release
Charity regulator opens inquiry into SPAC Nation
Commission orders charity to bank all cash to investigate financial controls
Published 13 December 2019
From:
The Charity Commission
placeholder
The Charity Commission has today announced the opening of a statutory inquiry into the charity SPAC Nation (1152988). The inquiry will examine financial, governance and safeguarding matters at the charity.
SPAC Nation is a charity set up to advance Christianity. Much of its charitable work is based in London, working particularly with young people.
SPAC Nation has been subject to a regulatory compliance case since April 2018, which was opened to examine safeguarding and financial concerns about the charity.
In June 2019, as part of the compliance case, the Commission issued the charity with an action plan, receiving as expected a response from the trustees in November 2019. Some of this information raised further concerns about the charity’s financial controls, policy and procedures.
Of immediate concern to the Commission is that substantial amounts of charity money are held in cash. As a protective measure, the Commission has issued an order under Section 84 of the Charities Act, requiring the charity to bank its money.
The Commission is also concerned about the apparent lack of clarity between the personal, business and charity roles of leaders within the charity.
The national media reported on the charity over the autumn of 2019, when several individuals alleged they had been encouraged to give money to the charity and/or individuals connected to the charity by taking on personal debt.
The Commission has opened this inquiry to examine matters further. The inquiry will look into the charity’s governance, its management and its policies and practices with regard to safeguarding and people protection issues, financial issues and risk management, particularly in relation to:
• Whether the charity’s safeguarding practices are adequate and the extent to which the Charity’s beneficiaries are being placed at risk;
• The extent to which the financial assets of the charity have been placed at risk by the charity operating largely outside of its current bank account and previously without a bank account;
• The extent to which the trustees are managing the risks, including reputational risks, to the charity caused by recent and ongoing negative publicity in relation to the charity.
The Commission may extend the scope of the inquiry if additional regulatory issues emerge. An inquiry is not in itself a finding of wrongdoing.
A Charity Commission spokesperson said:
Charities exist to improve lives and strengthen society; the issues that have been raised related to SPAC Nation in recent weeks are highly concerning, even more so as the allegations are entirely at odds with the expectations about the way that charities will operate. The opening of this inquiry is an important step that will allow us to examine these concerns further and establish the facts. We will seek to provide assurance to the public and the community that these matters will be considered fully and, where necessary, resolved.
It is the Commission’s policy, after it has concluded an inquiry, to publish a report detailing what issues the inquiry looked at, what actions were undertaken as part of the inquiry and what the outcomes were.
Reports of previous inquiries by the Commission are available on GOV.UK.
Ends.
Notes to Editors
The inquiry opened on 5 December 2019.
The Charity Commission is the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales; our role is to regulate charity trustees’ compliance with the charity law framework.
The Commission does not investigate criminal matters.
Press office
pressenquiries@charitycommission.gov.uk
Press enquiries - office hours
0300 065 2123
Press enquiries - out of hours
07785 748787
Share this page
Share onFacebook Share onTwitter
Published 13 December 2019
Trap, trapper, trapped.
Posted by:
Loriwoke
()
Date: January 28, 2020 06:49AM
Meanwhile, according to these clips, the Adeboyega brothers disagree on the whether they have Trap houses or not and if so how many they have.
Dapo says they have none. Tobi says they have at least 15 and one house has 99 people, including 15 babies.
[www.youtube.com]
Dapo says they have none. Tobi says they have at least 15 and one house has 99 people, including 15 babies.
[www.youtube.com]
Re: Spacnation
Posted by:
Loriwoke
()
Date: February 02, 2020 08:49AM
[www.cypnow.co.uk]
Friday, January 10, 2020
MPs have called for an evangelical church accused of “exploiting young people” to be stripped of its charitable status.
Labour MP for Croydon North Steve Reed led the discussion in parliament. Picture: UK Parliament
Labour MP for Croydon North Steve Reed led the discussion in parliament. Picture: UK Parliament
SPAC Nation, which works with young people across London, was discussed in parliament after Steve Reed, Labour MP for Croydon North, accused the church of “brainwashing [...] those who appear to be most susceptible” before encouraging them to take out fraudulent loans.
Reed described the church as a “cult” and said leaders “targeted mainly at young black people in poorer parts of London”.
He also accused SPAC Nation of coercing young people to break away from their families and move in to so-called “trap houses” run by the organisation.
SPAC Nation is currently under investigation by the Charity Commission. The Metropolitan Police said it was reviewing allegations of fraud and other offences made against the organisation and those involved in it.
Reed called on the government to work with police and crime commissioners to “prevent this organisation, even if only temporarily, from being able to stand outside school gates and youth centres and target young people.”
Labour MP Siobhain McDonagh called for SPAC Nation to be temporarily stripped of its charitable status.
“The Charity Commission can often move very slowly,” the Mitcham and Morden MP said. “And given the seriousness of the allegations, would there not be a possibility of suspending charitable status while the investigations are going ahead?”
Culture minister Helen Whatley called the allegations “deeply, deeply concerning” but said she could not make any further comments while investigations were ongoing.
In December, the Charity Commission announced an investigation into SPAC Nation to examine safeguarding and financial concerns about the charity.
A spokesman said: “The issues that have been raised related to SPAC Nation in recent weeks are highly concerning, even more so as the allegations are entirely at odds with the expectations about the way that charities will operate.”
A Metropolitan Police (MPS) spokesman said: “The MPS is aware of allegations that pertain to potential fraud and other offences relating to the activities of individuals associated with SPAC Nation.
“Officers from central specialist crime are reviewing the allegations to identify if any criminal offences have been committed.
“Once this review is complete, a decision will be made as to whether a criminal investigation is launched.
“There have been no arrests. We cannot comment any further at this time.”
SPAC Nation has been approached for comment.
Friday, January 10, 2020
MPs have called for an evangelical church accused of “exploiting young people” to be stripped of its charitable status.
Labour MP for Croydon North Steve Reed led the discussion in parliament. Picture: UK Parliament
Labour MP for Croydon North Steve Reed led the discussion in parliament. Picture: UK Parliament
SPAC Nation, which works with young people across London, was discussed in parliament after Steve Reed, Labour MP for Croydon North, accused the church of “brainwashing [...] those who appear to be most susceptible” before encouraging them to take out fraudulent loans.
Reed described the church as a “cult” and said leaders “targeted mainly at young black people in poorer parts of London”.
He also accused SPAC Nation of coercing young people to break away from their families and move in to so-called “trap houses” run by the organisation.
SPAC Nation is currently under investigation by the Charity Commission. The Metropolitan Police said it was reviewing allegations of fraud and other offences made against the organisation and those involved in it.
Reed called on the government to work with police and crime commissioners to “prevent this organisation, even if only temporarily, from being able to stand outside school gates and youth centres and target young people.”
Labour MP Siobhain McDonagh called for SPAC Nation to be temporarily stripped of its charitable status.
“The Charity Commission can often move very slowly,” the Mitcham and Morden MP said. “And given the seriousness of the allegations, would there not be a possibility of suspending charitable status while the investigations are going ahead?”
Culture minister Helen Whatley called the allegations “deeply, deeply concerning” but said she could not make any further comments while investigations were ongoing.
In December, the Charity Commission announced an investigation into SPAC Nation to examine safeguarding and financial concerns about the charity.
A spokesman said: “The issues that have been raised related to SPAC Nation in recent weeks are highly concerning, even more so as the allegations are entirely at odds with the expectations about the way that charities will operate.”
A Metropolitan Police (MPS) spokesman said: “The MPS is aware of allegations that pertain to potential fraud and other offences relating to the activities of individuals associated with SPAC Nation.
“Officers from central specialist crime are reviewing the allegations to identify if any criminal offences have been committed.
“Once this review is complete, a decision will be made as to whether a criminal investigation is launched.
“There have been no arrests. We cannot comment any further at this time.”
SPAC Nation has been approached for comment.
Re: Spacnation
Posted by:
Loriwoke
()
Date: February 02, 2020 08:53AM
[www.telegraph.co.uk]
MPs condemn banks' lackadaisical lending practices in light of SPAC Nation furore
Vinjeru Mkandawire
19 JANUARY 2020 • 5:31PM
Follow
HSBC and Amigo Loans are under fire for failed checks on alleged fraudulent loans believed to be worth millions of pounds, as MPs examine the role of lenders in a South London church scandal.
The global bank and high-interest lender came under scrutiny from politicians who attacked the finance industry for “highly questionable” loans linked to the controversial church SPAC Nation.
SPAC Nation has been accused of exploiting young and vulnerable people, including by coercing victims into securing sham loans and withdrawing funds from overdrafts to help fill the church’s coffers.
MPs say that many of its members have been left thousands of pounds in debt.
Croydon North MP Steve Reed believes that lenders bear some responsibility for the scale of the problem....
Here's
MPs condemn banks' lackadaisical lending practices in light of SPAC Nation furore
Vinjeru Mkandawire
19 JANUARY 2020 • 5:31PM
Follow
HSBC and Amigo Loans are under fire for failed checks on alleged fraudulent loans believed to be worth millions of pounds, as MPs examine the role of lenders in a South London church scandal.
The global bank and high-interest lender came under scrutiny from politicians who attacked the finance industry for “highly questionable” loans linked to the controversial church SPAC Nation.
SPAC Nation has been accused of exploiting young and vulnerable people, including by coercing victims into securing sham loans and withdrawing funds from overdrafts to help fill the church’s coffers.
MPs say that many of its members have been left thousands of pounds in debt.
Croydon North MP Steve Reed believes that lenders bear some responsibility for the scale of the problem....
Here's
Re: Spacnation
Posted by:
facet
()
Date: February 02, 2020 07:34PM
Hi Lori,
I’m not sure if it is helpful to be aware or not, at the moment there is currently media focus brewing on the government children’s home / care system that is in place in the UK, and the private children’s homes set up by others due to lack of services. The focus is looking at the abuses running throughout them, failing safeguarding etc.
I would say that the “trap” houses mentioned would come under this scrutiny too, especially in the light of younger children being brought in with their parents. I understand that certain ages would legally denote an adult, which is a loophole to evade for those who wish.
Thanks for the thread and updates!
I’m not sure if it is helpful to be aware or not, at the moment there is currently media focus brewing on the government children’s home / care system that is in place in the UK, and the private children’s homes set up by others due to lack of services. The focus is looking at the abuses running throughout them, failing safeguarding etc.
I would say that the “trap” houses mentioned would come under this scrutiny too, especially in the light of younger children being brought in with their parents. I understand that certain ages would legally denote an adult, which is a loophole to evade for those who wish.
Thanks for the thread and updates!
Re: Spacnation
Posted by:
Loriwoke
()
Date: February 03, 2020 03:28AM
Hi Facet,
Yes, it is very helpful to highlight the media focus on abuses in the care system and safeguarding issues and how they may relate to TAP or SAFE houses run by SPAC and similar organisations.
As you are aware, the Trap houses are being disputed. Whereas, PT was, at one point, boasting about the number of houses SPAC had and the number of people who resided in them, this was then refuted by his brother Dapo, once STeve Reed MP raised the issue of safeguarding in those houses. Dapo actually claimed that SPAC has no houses..... but the evidence was already out there all over the internet.
Sky news had already done a documentary about the ' 23 Safe houses' run by Spacnation [www.youtube.com] and PT claimed that he sometimes moved people from one house to another to save their lives. In another clip he talks about a long list of Trap houses, differentiating between the trappers and the trapped and then claiming that 90 people and 15 babies living in one such house. [www.youtube.com]
A resident pastor had also made a youtube film about the 'TRAP house' she moved into called ' The house of Lords'
[www.youtube.com]
It is only since the investigations started, that the Adegboyega brothers began to deny having such houses. Many people queried why they would deny having them and whether this was to do with safeguarding. Then we had the claim that members names were used to lease the houses (not the churhc name), therefore absolving the ' church' from safeguarding accountability. Because the houses are rented, there is the possibility that these residences can open and close before the authorities get to them. In situations like these, it is difficult for the authorities to monitor these places and any allegations of offences. . Thank you for taking the time to highlight loopholes in safeguarding laws. We all need to be aware of them.
Yes, it is very helpful to highlight the media focus on abuses in the care system and safeguarding issues and how they may relate to TAP or SAFE houses run by SPAC and similar organisations.
As you are aware, the Trap houses are being disputed. Whereas, PT was, at one point, boasting about the number of houses SPAC had and the number of people who resided in them, this was then refuted by his brother Dapo, once STeve Reed MP raised the issue of safeguarding in those houses. Dapo actually claimed that SPAC has no houses..... but the evidence was already out there all over the internet.
Sky news had already done a documentary about the ' 23 Safe houses' run by Spacnation [www.youtube.com] and PT claimed that he sometimes moved people from one house to another to save their lives. In another clip he talks about a long list of Trap houses, differentiating between the trappers and the trapped and then claiming that 90 people and 15 babies living in one such house. [www.youtube.com]
A resident pastor had also made a youtube film about the 'TRAP house' she moved into called ' The house of Lords'
[www.youtube.com]
It is only since the investigations started, that the Adegboyega brothers began to deny having such houses. Many people queried why they would deny having them and whether this was to do with safeguarding. Then we had the claim that members names were used to lease the houses (not the churhc name), therefore absolving the ' church' from safeguarding accountability. Because the houses are rented, there is the possibility that these residences can open and close before the authorities get to them. In situations like these, it is difficult for the authorities to monitor these places and any allegations of offences. . Thank you for taking the time to highlight loopholes in safeguarding laws. We all need to be aware of them.
Re: Spacnation
Posted by:
Loriwoke
()
Date: February 11, 2020 03:48AM
[www.huffingtonpost.co.uk]
SPAC Nation: Police Will Not Open Criminal Inquiry Into Allegations Against Church
Scotland Yard has said it will not launch a criminal investigation into SPAC Nation - but one alleged victim says she has not even been contacted by detectives.
By Emma Youle
Nadine White
Scotland Yard has announced it will not launch a criminal investigation into evangelical church SPAC Nation – despite calls in the House of Commons for a full police inquiry.
The Metropolitan Police was told last year about allegations of fraud and other offences relating to the activities of people associated with the London-based church, which has won publicity for its work to tackle youth violence.
The church has always denied any wrongdoing.
Last month MPs in parliament called for a full police investigation into the allegations being reviewed by the Met.
Police have now completed this review and told HuffPost UK: “Officers from central specialist crime carried out a review to identify if any criminal offences had been committed.
“The review is now complete and no criminal investigation has been launched into these specific allegations.
“However during this review detectives identified two separate, similar allegations of fraud reported in different parts of London.
“The allegations relate to the actions of individuals, not the actions of an organisation, and are being investigated by detectives locally.”
The Met said if any further information comes to light this will be reviewed.
SPAC Nation welcomed the decision and, in a statement to HuffPost UK, the board of trustees said: “We believe the police have come to a fair conclusion following their enquiry.”
Senior pastor Tobi Adegboyega, the church’s leader, told HuffPost UK: “The police have spoken and I have confidence in the judiciary system and the law enforcement system of this country that they will do their jobs right ??and as a church we stand for what is right. If we find anyone doing anything wrong we would report them to the necessary authorities."
A Charity Commission statutory inquiry into SPAC Nation is still underway to probe financial and safeguarding concerns, and police say officers from the central specialist crime unit are in contact with the regulatory body.
But some ex-members of SPAC Nation have criticised the outcome of the police review, saying the decision appeared to have been taken without talking to some witnesses.
One alleged victim says she has not even been contacted by detectives since she reported an alleged offence via Action Fraud.
Toye-Mary Sofidiya, who lives in east London and attended SPAC Nation when she was 28, said: “Nothing has happened since I reported.
“I would have expected some sort of email, some sort of follow-up, some sort of questioning or getting in contact with those who have been accused, something at least.
“But it doesn’t really seem like anything has been done at all.”
Sofidiya has evidence she believes proves a SPAC Nation pastor made her a guarantor on £10,000 worth of loans without her consent.
“It’s poor on the police’s part,” she said. “I feel like they just can’t be bothered because it’s not like there isn’t evidence to show these allegations. So on what basis are they not willing to continue with the investigation is my question really?”
The church has distanced itself from the actions of its pastors and previously told HuffPost UK “a community with hundreds of pastors cannot monitor what each pastor or leader does”.
Another former member of SPAC Nation, who did not want to be named, said of the police decision: “It’s awful. I thought they would [open an investigation]. I think it’s just Black people from poor backgrounds [who are the alleged victims].
“I think it shows that the police don’t really care about the community. It also makes people feel like they shouldn’t trust the system.”
Steve Reed MP, Labour’s shadow minister for child protection, said he will be raising the issues with Mayor of London Sadiq Khan at a meeting to discuss SPAC Nation next week.
“Sadiq as the Mayor of London is also the police and crime commissioner for London, which means he’s in charge of the Metropolitan Police,” said the MP.
“So I will be seeking a full explanation of what is or is not going on in terms of investigating SPAC Nation given the scale and nature of allegations that we’re hearing from right across the capital.”
Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 02/11/2020 03:52AM by Loriwoke.
SPAC Nation: Police Will Not Open Criminal Inquiry Into Allegations Against Church
Scotland Yard has said it will not launch a criminal investigation into SPAC Nation - but one alleged victim says she has not even been contacted by detectives.
By Emma Youle
Nadine White
Scotland Yard has announced it will not launch a criminal investigation into evangelical church SPAC Nation – despite calls in the House of Commons for a full police inquiry.
The Metropolitan Police was told last year about allegations of fraud and other offences relating to the activities of people associated with the London-based church, which has won publicity for its work to tackle youth violence.
The church has always denied any wrongdoing.
Last month MPs in parliament called for a full police investigation into the allegations being reviewed by the Met.
Police have now completed this review and told HuffPost UK: “Officers from central specialist crime carried out a review to identify if any criminal offences had been committed.
“The review is now complete and no criminal investigation has been launched into these specific allegations.
“However during this review detectives identified two separate, similar allegations of fraud reported in different parts of London.
“The allegations relate to the actions of individuals, not the actions of an organisation, and are being investigated by detectives locally.”
The Met said if any further information comes to light this will be reviewed.
SPAC Nation welcomed the decision and, in a statement to HuffPost UK, the board of trustees said: “We believe the police have come to a fair conclusion following their enquiry.”
Senior pastor Tobi Adegboyega, the church’s leader, told HuffPost UK: “The police have spoken and I have confidence in the judiciary system and the law enforcement system of this country that they will do their jobs right ??and as a church we stand for what is right. If we find anyone doing anything wrong we would report them to the necessary authorities."
A Charity Commission statutory inquiry into SPAC Nation is still underway to probe financial and safeguarding concerns, and police say officers from the central specialist crime unit are in contact with the regulatory body.
But some ex-members of SPAC Nation have criticised the outcome of the police review, saying the decision appeared to have been taken without talking to some witnesses.
One alleged victim says she has not even been contacted by detectives since she reported an alleged offence via Action Fraud.
Toye-Mary Sofidiya, who lives in east London and attended SPAC Nation when she was 28, said: “Nothing has happened since I reported.
“I would have expected some sort of email, some sort of follow-up, some sort of questioning or getting in contact with those who have been accused, something at least.
“But it doesn’t really seem like anything has been done at all.”
Sofidiya has evidence she believes proves a SPAC Nation pastor made her a guarantor on £10,000 worth of loans without her consent.
“It’s poor on the police’s part,” she said. “I feel like they just can’t be bothered because it’s not like there isn’t evidence to show these allegations. So on what basis are they not willing to continue with the investigation is my question really?”
The church has distanced itself from the actions of its pastors and previously told HuffPost UK “a community with hundreds of pastors cannot monitor what each pastor or leader does”.
Another former member of SPAC Nation, who did not want to be named, said of the police decision: “It’s awful. I thought they would [open an investigation]. I think it’s just Black people from poor backgrounds [who are the alleged victims].
“I think it shows that the police don’t really care about the community. It also makes people feel like they shouldn’t trust the system.”
Steve Reed MP, Labour’s shadow minister for child protection, said he will be raising the issues with Mayor of London Sadiq Khan at a meeting to discuss SPAC Nation next week.
“Sadiq as the Mayor of London is also the police and crime commissioner for London, which means he’s in charge of the Metropolitan Police,” said the MP.
“So I will be seeking a full explanation of what is or is not going on in terms of investigating SPAC Nation given the scale and nature of allegations that we’re hearing from right across the capital.”
Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 02/11/2020 03:52AM by Loriwoke.
Re: Spacnation
Posted by:
facet
()
Date: February 11, 2020 04:41AM
Hi Loriwoke,
I am so sorry to read this news.
For those who have been failed, the independent office for police complaints is worth looking at.
[www.policeconduct.gov.uk]
IOPC statutory guidance may be a beneficial read if going forward with complaint.
[www.ipcc.gov.uk]
I am so sorry to read this news.
For those who have been failed, the independent office for police complaints is worth looking at.
[www.policeconduct.gov.uk]
IOPC statutory guidance may be a beneficial read if going forward with complaint.
[www.ipcc.gov.uk]
Re: Spacnation
Posted by:
Loriwoke
()
Date: February 12, 2020 03:58AM
Thank you facet,
Judging by the reaction to this surprising announcement, I think there will be a lot of complaints going in that direction.
INSIDE CROYDON has this to say.....
[insidecroydon.com]
Police opt to not investigate allegations against SPAC Nation
Posted on February 11, 2020by insidecroydon
The Metropolitan Police has decided not to continue with its investigation into the controversial SPAC Nation, the “Church of Bling” which has been closely associated with the Conservative Party, particularly in Croydon.
SPAC founder Tobi Adeboyega: has faith in the police system
Yet according to a Croydon MP, former members of the church he has assisted in bringing forward their allegations have never been contacted by the Metropolitan Police as potential witnesses or to provide a statement.
“I just checked with five people I put in touch with the police after they raised allegations,” Steve Reed OBE, the MP for Croydon North, told Inside Croydon.
“Two have had no contact from police, while three were contacted but had no follow-up. What’s going on?”
The development – or non-development – has seen Reed arrange an urgent meeting with Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London and effectively London’s crime commissioner.
SPAC Nation was subject to a BBC Panorama investigation broadcast in December.
Reed has called SPAC Nation a cult and has compared the level of alleged abuse with that which occurred in Rotherham – again where the police were slow to instigate an investigation.
“Sadiq as the Mayor of London is also the police and crime commissioner for London, which means he’s in charge of the Metropolitan Police,” Reed said.
“So I will be seeking a full explanation of what is or is not going on in terms of investigating SPAC Nation given the scale and nature of allegations that we’re hearing from right across the capital.”
Reed managed to call an urgent debate in the House of Commons last month, where he criticised the police’s delay in investigating multiple allegations of fraud and serious abuse made by former members of the evangelical church.
Reed supported a dozen young people in submitting a dossier of evidence to the Met.
Reed making his speech in the House of Commons debate on SPAC Nation last month
“Allegations about this organisation have been circulating widely in the black community and on social media for up to four years, so why has police intelligence failed to pick anything up?” Reed said in his speech in the Commons.
“Why has police intelligence failed to recognise what is happening to potentially thousands of vulnerable young kids across this city?”
The church continues to be subject to two investigations by the Charity Commissioners watchdog, yet retains its charitable status in the meantime.
SPAC Nation maintains that the organisation has done nothing wrong, and that senior church leaders – pastors – who have recently quit the church amid the fraud allegations were acting without knowledge or approval of the church.
Tobi Adegboyega, the founder of SPAC Nation with a natty taste for designer clothes and sports cars, told the Huffington Post UK: “The police have spoken and I have confidence in the judiciary system and the law enforcement system of this country that they will do their jobs right and as a church we stand for what is right.
“If we find anyone doing anything wrong we would report them to the necessary authorities.”
HuffPost UK has also reported that a former SPAC member who has made allegations against the church yet who says that she has never been contacted by the police.
They quote Toye-Mary Sofidiya as saying, “Nothing has happened since I reported.
“I would have expected some sort of email, some sort of follow-up, some sort of questioning or getting in contact with those who have been accused, something at least.
“But it doesn’t really seem like anything has been done at all.”
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Judging by the reaction to this surprising announcement, I think there will be a lot of complaints going in that direction.
INSIDE CROYDON has this to say.....
[insidecroydon.com]
Police opt to not investigate allegations against SPAC Nation
Posted on February 11, 2020by insidecroydon
The Metropolitan Police has decided not to continue with its investigation into the controversial SPAC Nation, the “Church of Bling” which has been closely associated with the Conservative Party, particularly in Croydon.
SPAC founder Tobi Adeboyega: has faith in the police system
Yet according to a Croydon MP, former members of the church he has assisted in bringing forward their allegations have never been contacted by the Metropolitan Police as potential witnesses or to provide a statement.
“I just checked with five people I put in touch with the police after they raised allegations,” Steve Reed OBE, the MP for Croydon North, told Inside Croydon.
“Two have had no contact from police, while three were contacted but had no follow-up. What’s going on?”
The development – or non-development – has seen Reed arrange an urgent meeting with Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London and effectively London’s crime commissioner.
SPAC Nation was subject to a BBC Panorama investigation broadcast in December.
Reed has called SPAC Nation a cult and has compared the level of alleged abuse with that which occurred in Rotherham – again where the police were slow to instigate an investigation.
“Sadiq as the Mayor of London is also the police and crime commissioner for London, which means he’s in charge of the Metropolitan Police,” Reed said.
“So I will be seeking a full explanation of what is or is not going on in terms of investigating SPAC Nation given the scale and nature of allegations that we’re hearing from right across the capital.”
Reed managed to call an urgent debate in the House of Commons last month, where he criticised the police’s delay in investigating multiple allegations of fraud and serious abuse made by former members of the evangelical church.
Reed supported a dozen young people in submitting a dossier of evidence to the Met.
Reed making his speech in the House of Commons debate on SPAC Nation last month
“Allegations about this organisation have been circulating widely in the black community and on social media for up to four years, so why has police intelligence failed to pick anything up?” Reed said in his speech in the Commons.
“Why has police intelligence failed to recognise what is happening to potentially thousands of vulnerable young kids across this city?”
The church continues to be subject to two investigations by the Charity Commissioners watchdog, yet retains its charitable status in the meantime.
SPAC Nation maintains that the organisation has done nothing wrong, and that senior church leaders – pastors – who have recently quit the church amid the fraud allegations were acting without knowledge or approval of the church.
Tobi Adegboyega, the founder of SPAC Nation with a natty taste for designer clothes and sports cars, told the Huffington Post UK: “The police have spoken and I have confidence in the judiciary system and the law enforcement system of this country that they will do their jobs right and as a church we stand for what is right.
“If we find anyone doing anything wrong we would report them to the necessary authorities.”
HuffPost UK has also reported that a former SPAC member who has made allegations against the church yet who says that she has never been contacted by the police.
They quote Toye-Mary Sofidiya as saying, “Nothing has happened since I reported.
“I would have expected some sort of email, some sort of follow-up, some sort of questioning or getting in contact with those who have been accused, something at least.
“But it doesn’t really seem like anything has been done at all.”
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Re: Spacnation
Posted by:
Loriwoke
()
Date: February 12, 2020 06:17AM
[www.bbc.co.uk]
SPAC Nation: No criminal probe into evangelical church
8 hours ago
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SPAC Nation says it has been "vindicated" by the Met Police announcement
Police have announced they will not launch a criminal inquiry into an evangelical church accused of financially exploiting young people.
The Met held a review into allegations of "fraud and other offences" against people associated with SPAC Nation, but has found no criminal action.
However, two separate claims of fraud against individuals are being investigated, with one man arrested.
SPAC Nation said it was "vindicated" and "truth always prevails".
In January, the London-based church, praised for helping ex-gang members, was accused of financial exploitation and fraud by Croydon North MP Steve Reed.
A report by BBC Panorama last year also featured former SPAC Nation members who accused the church of wrongdoing.
One claimed she was persuaded to commit benefit fraud by a trustee, while another said she had a £5,000 loan taken out in her name without her knowledge.
The church, which at the time was under investigation by both the Charity Commission and the Met, denied all the allegations.
It also accused Mr Reed of discrediting the church for political gain during the general election.
On Monday the church said: "SPAC Nation will like to re-emphasise that we have confidence in the judiciary system and the law enforcement system, we had belief they would do their jobs right and as a church we stand for what is right."
Mr Reed has described the Met's decision not to launch a criminal inquiry as "perverse".
Image caption
The church's leader Pastor Tobi Adegboyega has always denied the accusations
"I've forwarded dozens more allegations from victims and witnesses. I will check that the police have contacted every single one of them," the MP said.
He added he would raise concerns with the Mayor of London and directly with the force itself.
The Met said it had contacted the Charity Commission "in relation to its statutory inquiry into SPAC Nation".
"Should any further information come to light this will be reviewed accordingly," the force added.
It said the two separate cases being investigated "relate to the actions of individuals, not the actions of an organisation".
One of the cases involves a 22-year-old man who was arrested on 13 January on suspicion of fraud by false representation in 2018.
He was released under investigation following a search of an address in north-west London.
Police said the second allegation was said to have taken place between March 2017 and July 2019.
No arrests have been made and officers are continuing their inquiries.
In December, the charities regulator said it had opened its own investigation into SPAC Nation's safeguarding and finances, which is ongoing.
SPAC Nation: No criminal probe into evangelical church
8 hours ago
Share this with Facebook Share this with Messenger Share this with Twitter Share this with Email Share
Image copyright@SPACNATION
Image caption
SPAC Nation says it has been "vindicated" by the Met Police announcement
Police have announced they will not launch a criminal inquiry into an evangelical church accused of financially exploiting young people.
The Met held a review into allegations of "fraud and other offences" against people associated with SPAC Nation, but has found no criminal action.
However, two separate claims of fraud against individuals are being investigated, with one man arrested.
SPAC Nation said it was "vindicated" and "truth always prevails".
In January, the London-based church, praised for helping ex-gang members, was accused of financial exploitation and fraud by Croydon North MP Steve Reed.
A report by BBC Panorama last year also featured former SPAC Nation members who accused the church of wrongdoing.
One claimed she was persuaded to commit benefit fraud by a trustee, while another said she had a £5,000 loan taken out in her name without her knowledge.
The church, which at the time was under investigation by both the Charity Commission and the Met, denied all the allegations.
It also accused Mr Reed of discrediting the church for political gain during the general election.
On Monday the church said: "SPAC Nation will like to re-emphasise that we have confidence in the judiciary system and the law enforcement system, we had belief they would do their jobs right and as a church we stand for what is right."
Mr Reed has described the Met's decision not to launch a criminal inquiry as "perverse".
Image caption
The church's leader Pastor Tobi Adegboyega has always denied the accusations
"I've forwarded dozens more allegations from victims and witnesses. I will check that the police have contacted every single one of them," the MP said.
He added he would raise concerns with the Mayor of London and directly with the force itself.
The Met said it had contacted the Charity Commission "in relation to its statutory inquiry into SPAC Nation".
"Should any further information come to light this will be reviewed accordingly," the force added.
It said the two separate cases being investigated "relate to the actions of individuals, not the actions of an organisation".
One of the cases involves a 22-year-old man who was arrested on 13 January on suspicion of fraud by false representation in 2018.
He was released under investigation following a search of an address in north-west London.
Police said the second allegation was said to have taken place between March 2017 and July 2019.
No arrests have been made and officers are continuing their inquiries.
In December, the charities regulator said it had opened its own investigation into SPAC Nation's safeguarding and finances, which is ongoing.
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