Poverty charity Achiezer had been removed from the register of charities, following an inquiry that found one its trustees had used its charitable status to try and avoid paying business rates.

The regulator found that the charity had made payments totalling £129,800 to Dasim Partners, a property development company of which two trustees were partners.

Achiezer’s trustees were three brothers, Sidney Chontow, David Chontow and Michael Chontow. David Chontow and Michael Chontow have passed away.

The Commission found Sidney Chontow had attempted to avoid paying £59,000 of business rates to Bury council, by letting out property from his private firm to the charity.

Source: Civil Society News