Xahra Saleem , An Advocate of ‘Black Lives Matter’ has been sentenced to jail for £30k fundraiser fraud. She was convicted of misappropriating fundraising donations into funding her extravagant lifestyle.
Based on BBC reports,the 23 year old from London worked as Director of a Charitable organisation aiming at the disadvantaged youth in Bristol, called ‘Changing Your Mindset’.
Saleem pioneered a Black Lives Matter protest on June 7,2020 in response to the death of George Floyd in the U.S.
Saleem repudiated laundering money from a fundraising page which was set up for the toppling of Edward Colston’s statue but later on She confessed being guilty of the crime.
Jugde Michael Longman, sentencing at Bristol Crown Court claimed that Saleem gained a social recognition from her active BLM involvement . She capitalised her fame for raising money to bolster youngsters of Bristol.
The Judge states that the funds were not used for the intent they were raised for . She funded her expensive lifestyle with those charitable funds .
The prosecution stated that Saleem had over 2500 payments made from her bank account including standard living expenses, shopping bills, amazon purchases , taxis and takeaways etc. Saleem went on a 15 month spending spree.
In the absence of a business account to pay the money into , the decision was to pay into your own account as an interim measure. The others involved in the BLM protests put their confidence into Saleem to secure the funds.
Despite the establishment of a business account in April 2021, the money was not transferred causing further suspicion on her. Saleem’s claims of suffering from a psychosis affecting her rationality were treated with scepticism as she initially denied the allegations.
The prosecution further added, Saleem had transferred hundred pounds into her bank account with the reference, ” Fred, Hold it for me please “ and the defendant used the money freely without no funds being credited to cover the shortfall.
Saleem later on admitted that the money had gone but put forth contradictory excuses as to why.
It was also found that Saleem had discussed a fraud over WhatsApp with a friend telling them ,” I have done something horrendous , you can’t tell anyone until I have properly sorted it out”
Closure of ‘Changing your mindset’
Owing to Saleem’s actions, the Charitable organization she was associated with has ceased operations . The court’s verdict after considering her acknowledgment of remorse for her actions depicts the serious nature of misuse of donations intended for a social cause.
The incident has prompted introspection within the community and emphasised the critical need for transparency in an organisation.
Xahra appeared in a Vogue article for organising a Black Lives Matter protest in Bristol . She states,” We brought Bristol together, we raised awareness! And there was history made.”
But today tables have turned and a disgraced Saleem is behind the bars. She has suffered a two and a half year confinement for money laundering and misappropriation of funds
