A BUSINESS support firm has NOT been ordered to repay regeneration grants, as claimed in a recent TV documentary about the misuse of European Union cash.
Channel 4’s Dispatches reported that Delta Club, based in High Street, Walthamstow, was told to hand back money it was paid for two training projects worth a total of £380,000, after doubts were raised that the work had been done.
But the Govenment has now confirmed that it is pursuing the London East Ethnic Business Association (LEEBA) for the grant, rather than the Delta Club.
Samee Mian and Shaukat Khan, who were named in the programme as owners of Delta Club, also held senior positions with LEEBA.
Mr Mian is a director and Mr Khan, who acts as a consultant for Delta Club, is named as LEEBA chief executive.
The Government said LEEBA is responsible because although Delta Club carried out some of the work LEEBA signed the contract to deliver the project.
LEEBA was set up in 2001 to support small and medium sized businesses across east London, including Waltham Forest, and had 500 members.
A petition to wind up the organisation was submitted to the High Court in January 2009, but is said to still exist and use Delta Club’s address to receive correspondence.
Speaking to the Guardian, Mr Mian and Mr Khan claimed documents proving the contested work had been done were destroyed in a flood and others were stolen during a burglary.
Mr Mian added: “We haven't done anything wrong.
“The grants we have received were for projects and programmes which have been delivered.”
Mr Khan claims to have held dozens of senior posts with local business organisations and voluntary groups.
He also served six months in prison for fraud 20 years ago.
On his website last week a list of his current responsibilities includes director of finance at Age Concern Waltham Forest (ACWF).
However, Sheena Dunbar, ACWF chief executive said: “Mr Khan has never been director of finance.
“He was a board member and honorary treasurer but never had a hands-on role with our finances.
“A couple of weeks ago we had to perform due diligence with all our board members relating to NHS contracts and discovered for the first time about Shaukat Khan’s background.
“At that point we had a discussion and he stood down from the board.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel