A woman responsible for an online fundraising campaign associated with the protest that resulted in the toppling of the Edward Colston statue in Bristol has admitted to fraud. Xahra Saleem (formerly known as Yvonne Maina) acknowledged misusing tens of thousands of pounds raised for a local youth group, Changing Your Mindset. The funds were originally intended to finance a transformative trip to Africa for young community members.
Key Details:
- Origin of the Funds: In the wake of George Floyd’s death in the US, Saleem, then 20, along with four others, organized a protest on June 7, 2020, in Bristol. She initiated an online fundraiser aiming to cover protest expenses. Surplus funds were pledged to Changing Your Mindset.
- Misuse of Funds: Donations surged after the global coverage of the statue’s toppling, accumulating over £30,000. The group Changing Your Mindset had anticipated the funds to facilitate their expansion and establish further projects. However, upon request for the funds’ transfer, the group encountered challenges, eventually seeking police intervention.
- Community Impact: The money’s disappearance dampened spirits, with community members expressing anger, disappointment, and disillusionment. The funds would have enabled several youths to experience international travel, immersing themselves in diverse cultures.
- Legal Proceedings: Post the police’s investigation, Saleem was charged in November 2022 with two counts of fraud. One charge pertained to the £30,000 from the fundraiser for Changing Your Mindset, and the second was linked to another fundraiser aimed at covering legal fees for those arrested in connection with the statue’s toppling. Initially, Saleem pled not guilty to both counts. However, in a subsequent hearing at Bristol Crown Court, she confessed to the first charge, resulting in the discontinuation of the second. Her sentencing is slated for October 31.
The case underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in crowdfunding campaigns and the profound impact such cases can have on community trust and aspirations.
