British Charity Run by Alleged Ringleader's Family

August 14, 2006 4:16 PM

Brian Ross and Vic Walter Report:

Crescent_relief_nr_1Money sent to Pakistan for earthquake relief may have ended up in the hands of the alleged airplane bomb plot ringleader, Rashid Rauf, thanks to a charity set up by his father and uncle.

Documents examined by ABC News show that Rauf's father, Abdul Rauf, and his uncle, Mohammed Mumtaz, established the London-based Crescent Relief in 2000.  The charity, currently run by Mumtaz, has since sent hundreds of thousands of dollars to Pakistan for humanitarian purposes.

Officials say they believe Rauf, who has lived in Pakistan for the last few years, helped distribute the charity money and may have diverted some of the funds for his alleged terror plot.

Rauf's brother is one of 23 people arrested in Great Britain in the case.

A former director of Crescent Relief, Mohammed Ansari, told ABC News "the entire family helps" in operating the charity.

Ansari told ABC News of a recent transfer of "90,000 to 100,000" British pounds to Pakistan, intended for earthquake relief.

"It was supposed to be used to buy sheets and beds," Ansari said.

Rashid Rauf, now in custody in Pakistan, has been identified by Pakistani and British authorities as the alleged ringleader of the airline plot who say he had access to large sums of money.

U.S. officials have told ABC News that Rauf had recently wired large sums to London so his alleged co-conspirators could buy plane tickets.

Crescent Relief is not connected with the international Red Crescent Society.

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August 14, 2006 in U.K. Airline Terror Plot | Permalink | User Comments (14)

User Comments

People try to help and they turn around and abuse it, while thousands of people suffer.

What would happen if the do "wipe out" the US? What then?

People need to realize that we live in one earth under so many "gods" and we need to respect one another. What harms one, harms everyone.

Posted by: Flores | Aug 14, 2006 4:51:51 PM

What proof do you have that the money was given to these "terrorists?" Without proof, you're actually preventing a charity group from receiving money to provide for poor, displaced individuals. Just make sure your facts are correct!!!

Posted by: julie weston | Aug 14, 2006 5:21:29 PM

Any people who cannot respect the rights and freedoms of another people, have by their own acts forfeited their own rights and freedoms.

Posted by: Steven McKinstry | Aug 14, 2006 5:48:02 PM

In the middle of this all I am just so perflexed by the lack of reasons of these terrorist. Crooked principles that is !!!

Posted by: Celso | Aug 14, 2006 5:57:44 PM

It's interesting that the only way to find out about this UK plot is to go to US-based websites. In this modern age, the restraint of the British media is almost risible.

Posted by: ACM | Aug 14, 2006 6:34:16 PM

It is indeed scary that money meant for earthquake aid relief was diverted by some perverted individuals to fuel mass murder. They deprieve the earthquake victims, and they kill innocent travellers, just to make a political statement for their twisted views.

Posted by: Modak | Aug 14, 2006 6:58:01 PM

ya man!

PROOF PROOF.. we need proof...... and plus i dont like the picture of brian ross holding the phone.. can u change that?

Posted by: dave shawn | Aug 14, 2006 7:33:17 PM

"Money sent to Pakistan for earthquake relief may have ended up in the hands of the alleged airplane bomb plot ringleader"... I think the key word here is MAY! Prove it, and quit speculating publicly that this is fact. Just like now CNN reports "Authorities rule out terror in Michigan cell-phone case". I'm so sick of hearing "Everyone's a terrorist", or everything's the fault of terrorists... Wake up and be objective people. There is more than enough racial and religious hate in our own country...We don't need or have to have terrorists, as people in this country can't seem to appreciate the differences of others as it is. But facts should be presented before speculation in the media! To do otherwise is irresponsible, and can persecute the innocent!

Posted by: Brad | Aug 14, 2006 9:55:29 PM

Brain Ross, the only man who works hard at ABC!

Bravo!

a.r

Posted by: Al Ramey | Aug 14, 2006 10:55:18 PM

So, its ok for him to try and kill plane loads of people. But, don't call him a thief.

Posted by: Scott | Aug 15, 2006 10:50:15 AM

I love how everyone is worried about all those "poor" and "displaced" when all the money we sent to New Orleans was wasted on things like prostitutes, jewelery, etc.

Worry about our problems first.

Posted by: Grant Thompson | Aug 15, 2006 11:23:31 AM

Well let,s think about this: the son or brother (whatever the case may be) is known to be involved in the plot to blow up airplanes flying to the United States. His family runs a very successful charity which sends lots of money to Pakistan. I think I can connect those dots!! Any non Arab person on this earth has to learn to hate because they are not only being hated but being targeted by Arabs to be wiped off the face of the earth. I for one am a suvivor and will tend to hate any attackor
who wants to kill me!!

Posted by: Phyllis Culbert | Aug 15, 2006 11:58:18 AM

It's an unfortunate time that we live in. But we must keep in mind that the only way to prevent them from committing these awful crimes in our country (or in any other country) is to keep the pressure on them. We are greatly indebted to the British government and to the individuals in Pakistan that brought these people to justice. Keep up the Good Work!!

Posted by: Collin | Aug 15, 2006 12:30:44 PM

I believe all the canidates for suicide bombings are mentally Ill.
These terrorist pick out mentally challenged for their dirty deeds just like any Cult we should stop glorifying the Mentally Ill who should be locked up.

Posted by: Richard Grass | Aug 15, 2006 1:29:02 PM

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