Malaysian‑raised college founder on trial in Wales over £5m fraud allegations

In a Welsh court, Yasmin Sarwar, a 45-year-old former director and trustee of Cardiff Sixth Form College, is on trial for nine charges of theft and fraud. Her husband, Nadeem Sarwar, 50, has already pleaded guilty to stealing £5 million between 2008 and 2016, according to the BBC.

Merthyr Crown Court heard allegations that the college's funds were misappropriated and diverted from their intended charitable purposes. Yasmin, who was allegedly committed to stealing college funds, reportedly set up sham companies to siphon off significant sums of money. The college, founded in 2008 and charging tuition fees of over £30,000 annually, was found to generate substantial profits, despite being registered as a charitable institution.

Financial irregularities were first raised in 2015 when staff members reported concerns over administrative issues and a "culture of fear." An interim manager was appointed by the Charity Commission in 2016 following the discovery of "areas of concern regarding apparent mismanagement of charitable funds." Nadeem Sarwar was granted bail, and his sentencing is scheduled for a later date. Yasmin Sarwar's trial is ongoing.