Kaldip Singh Lehal (Deepa SYUK)

In a disturbing revelation, Rajbinder Kaur, 55, who deceptively positioned herself as a community leader through Sikh Youth UK, has been found guilty of embezzling funds from the very charity she claimed to serve. Her actions not only betrayed the trust of countless Sikhs but also tarnished the image of legitimate activism within our community.

Kaur, along with her brother Kaldip Singh Lehal, 43, manipulated the generosity of donors, using the charity’s funds to settle personal debts and funnel money to their inner circle. Convicted on multiple charges including theft and money laundering, this case highlights the growing threat posed by individuals who exploit the goodwill of our community for personal gain.

What is even more alarming is the extensive cover-up operation led by Kaur, a former bank worker who used over 50 personal accounts to obscure her financial misconduct. Her brother Lehal was also complicit, providing false or misleading information to the Charity Commission alongside Kaur, as they attempted to defraud both the Commission and the Sikh community.

Despite the Charity Commission initially rejecting their charity application, Sikh Youth UK continued to solicit donations, demonstrating their willingness to operate in the shadows and exploit the community. This case is a sobering reminder that we must remain vigilant and scrutinize those who claim to be champions of our cause, as the actions of fake activists like Kaur and Lehal have the potential to derail genuine efforts for positive change.

As Kaur and Lehal await sentencing, let this be a call to all Sikhs: we must protect our institutions, our values, and our charitable contributions from those who seek to exploit them for personal profit. True activism is rooted in seva (selfless service), and those who betray that principle do immeasurable harm to the causes we hold dear.