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

In a Welsh court, Yasmin Sarwar, a 45-year-old director and trustee of Cardiff Sixth Form College, faces nine charges of theft and fraud. The allegations stem from a £5 million fraud allegedly committed with her former husband, Nadeem Sarwar, a Malaysian national. Nadeem has already admitted to stealing the sum between 2008 and 2016, according to the BBC.

During the trial at Merthyr Crown Court, the prosecution argued that the college's funds were misappropriated as if they were their own personal "piggy bank". Prosecutor Mark Cotter KC emphasized Yasmin's intentions, suggesting she was willing to create sham companies to divert significant amounts of money away from her husband and into her own pocket once their relationship deteriorated.

Cardiff Sixth Form College, established in 2008 and charging over £30,000 annually for tuition and £70,000 for boarding, reportedly generated substantial profits. The college, registered as a charitable company, was accused of generating "very significant" profits, which were allegedly used for a lavish lifestyle rather than charitable purposes.

Financial irregularities within the institution first came to light in 2015 when staff reported issues with administration and a culture of fear. A finance officer later raised concerns about £1.8 million that seemed to have disappeared from the accounts. These concerns led the Charity Commission to launch a statutory inquiry in 2016 due to "areas of concern regarding apparent mismanagement of charitable funds".

In response, an interim manager was appointed to oversee the college. Nadeem Sarwar was granted bail and will later be sentenced, while Yasmin Sarwar's trial continues.