An investigation by BBC File on 4 reveals allegations of misuse of funds and fabricated stories at Project Rescue Children (PRC), a charity founded by Adam Whittington.
Whittington, a former police officer, claims PRC has helped over 700 children in several African countries. However, the BBC found evidence that some of these children were never victims of trafficking, and that donated funds, sometimes raised with celebrity endorsements, may not have reached those in need.
PRC vehemently denies these allegations, calling them “defamatory” and “misleading.”
The BBC investigation found several instances where Whittington allegedly misled donors. One example involves a fundraising campaign for a baby supposedly rescued from traffickers. However, the child’s mother, living in poverty, says she and her daughter were never separated and have never received any aid from PRC.
Whittington started PRC after leaving the Metropolitan Police. His social media presence, filled with disturbing content, has garnered over 1.5 million followers and attracted celebrity support.
One such celebrity supporter, reality TV star Sam Faiers, raised £137,000 for the construction and operation of a rescue center in Uganda. However, following concerns raised on social media, it was discovered that less than half the money reached the Ugandan partner organization.
Both Sam Faiers and the Ugandan partner expressed disappointment and urged Mr. Whittington to return the remaining funds.
PRC claims they used the remaining money elsewhere and withdrew from the project due to alleged mismanagement by the Ugandan partner.
The BBC investigation raises serious questions about the legitimacy of PRC’s operations and the well-being of the children they claim to help.
