A charity which offered help to victims of domestic violence in inner-city Birmingham has been closed amid allegations of financial irregularities.
The Amirah Foundation, based in Sparkbrook, was set up in 2011 to help victims of domestic abuse and was lauded for its work in breaking down barriers for women in the Muslim community.
Amirah was a high-profile campaigning group and string of politicians, including MPs Roger Godsiff and Jess Phillips and councillors, have supported its work.
In 2015, the charity was involved in a major aid relief convoy from Birmingham to the Jungle refugee camp at Calais .
It also won funding from the Home Office , West Midlands Police Commissioner and the Big Lottery Fund, while its former chief executive Shaz Manir was a member of West Midland Mayor Andy Street’s Leadership Commission - set up to increase diversity among civic leaders.
But now Amirah has suddenly closed its doors.
A statement from the charity’s trustees said they launched an investigation into alleged financial irregularities late last year after a formal complaint from a former employee.
Services for vulnerable women have continued to be offered and have now been taken over by another charity Penny Appeal.
The statement added: “We would like to take this opportunity to share deepest and heartfelt gratitude to all of our tirelessly hardworking and committed staff team, volunteers, partners and supporters; and hope the work to assist and aid vulnerable women and victims of domestic abuse continues in this city.”
According the Charity Commission website Amirah’s accounts are overdue.
The Commission confirmed it was investigating the allegations.
A spokeswoman said: “We are engaged with the trustees of Amirah Foundation Limited regarding concerns raised with us about the charity.
"We are unable to comment further so as not to prejudice our case or any other ongoing investigations.”
As well as reporting the allegations to the Charity Commission, it was understood the Big Lottery Fund, police and Action Fraud had been informed of the allegations.
Action Fraud has passed the case to the City of London Police’s National Fraud Intelligence Bureau.
