Darren Myatt: Difference between revisions
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'''Darren (Hamza) Myatt''', also known by the pejorative nickname "Scamza" among critics, is a British Muslim public figure recognized for his involvement in Islamic outreach ([[da'wah]]) through online platforms. Between 2022 and 2025, he became the center of controversy due to allegations concerning the management of funds raised via public donations on crowdfunding platforms. Critics questioned the financial transparency and ethical conduct associated with these funds, leading to extensive online debate. | '''Darren (Hamza) Myatt''', also known by the pejorative nickname "Scamza" among critics, is a British Muslim public figure recognized for his involvement in Islamic outreach ([[da'wah]]) through online platforms. Between 2022 and 2025, he became the center of controversy due to allegations concerning the management of funds raised via public donations on crowdfunding platforms. Critics questioned the financial transparency and ethical conduct associated with these funds, leading to extensive online debate. | ||
Latest revision as of 23:46, 13 April 2025
Darren (Hamza) Myatt, also known by the pejorative nickname "Scamza" among critics, is a British Muslim public figure recognized for his involvement in Islamic outreach (da'wah) through online platforms. Between 2022 and 2025, he became the center of controversy due to allegations concerning the management of funds raised via public donations on crowdfunding platforms. Critics questioned the financial transparency and ethical conduct associated with these funds, leading to extensive online debate.
Background
Myatt gained recognition through livestreams and other digital Islamic content, often soliciting public donations to support his da'wah activities. He claimed to be in significant personal debt—reportedly over £112,000—and launched several GoFundMe campaigns between 2022 and 2025 to support both his outreach efforts and debt repayment.[1]
Fundraising and financial dispute
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In March 2025, a social media user operating under the name "@BroHajji" published a series of posts alleging that Myatt had failed to account for a significant portion of funds raised via GoFundMe.[2] According to Bro Hajji, approximately £48,000 had been raised, with only £35,600 being accounted for in a private breakdown provided by Myatt.
The breakdown included expenses for flights, accommodation, cargo costs, Turkish and Kuwaiti purchases, and transactions with wholesalers in Paris and London. A remaining amount of £2,800 was reportedly used for miscellaneous bills and a flight for Myatt's wife to Morocco, following the death of her mother.[3]
Criticism and reactions
Critics expressed concern over the use of charitable donations for what they perceived as personal expenses, such as family travel. Some pointed to inconsistencies between Myatt's claims of financial hardship and his ability to travel internationally, noting frequent references to travel in livestreams and social media posts.[4]
Community reactions varied. While some users defended Myatt, citing his openness about seeking financial support for his da'wah, others called for a formal audit and transparency in line with Islamic ethical standards.[5] A notable incident during a livestream featured an on-screen comment accusing Myatt of fraud for using donor funds on his wife's travel, which was widely circulated online.[6]
Independent review
In response to mounting pressure, Abdulla Andalusi, a public speaker and Islamic thinker, stated that he would conduct an independent review of the case. His involvement was met with both support and skepticism, as some questioned the impartiality and transparency of the review process.[7]
Key issues
The controversy surrounding Darren Myatt's fundraising activities has brought to light several critical issues concerning financial transparency and ethical conduct in charitable endeavors within the Muslim community. These concerns have sparked extensive discussions and debates, highlighting the need for accountability and trust in public fundraising initiatives.
- Lack of clear documentation for the full amount raised: Critics highlighted discrepancies in the financial breakdown provided by Myatt, noting that a significant portion of the funds remained unaccounted for.
- Alleged use of donations for non-disclosed personal expenses: The use of donated funds for personal matters, such as family travel, was viewed by some as a misuse of charitable contributions.
- Lack of separation between personal and public financial activities: The blending of personal expenses with funds raised for public da'wah efforts raised concerns about financial management practices.
- Perceived condescension and dismissiveness in public responses: Myatt's responses to inquiries and criticisms were perceived by some as dismissive, exacerbating public frustration.
Broader context
The controversy surrounding Darren Myatt is not an isolated incident within the Muslim community. Similar cases have raised concerns about accountability and transparency in charitable fundraising. For instance, in 2017, Mohammed Hasnath and Ruksana Ali established a fundraising campaign for Rohingya refugees via the platform Your Caring (now part of GoFundMe). An inquiry by the Charity Commission revealed that the fund raised approximately £213,898.60, with around £68,748.81 unaccounted for. The investigation found that the trustees had deposited the donations into personal accounts, leading to the freezing of these accounts and the initiation of a statutory inquiry. These events have sparked broader discussions about the need for stringent oversight and ethical conduct in charitable fundraising within the community.[8]
References
- ↑ Hamza Den (hamza_den) (15 February 2025). "I've hit a tough spot and need your help. Climbing out of a 50k debt feels impossible, but I believe I can turn things around." [Tweet]. Retrieved from https://x.com/hamza_den/status/1894543274477490500
- ↑ Bro Hajji. "[Twitter thread on Hamza fundraising transparency]." X (formerly Twitter), 23 March 2025.
- ↑ @BroHajji. "Breakdown of Hamza's stated expenses." X (formerly Twitter), 23 March 2025.
- ↑ Bro Hajji. "Critique on travel expenses vs. debt claims." X (formerly Twitter), 23 March 2025.
- ↑ Replies to @BroHajji. X (formerly Twitter), 23-24 March 2025.
- ↑ Screenshot of livestream featuring viewer accusation. X (formerly Twitter), 23 March 2025.
- ↑ @opendawah. "Calls for independent review by Abdulla Andalusi." X (formerly Twitter), 24 March 2025.
- ↑ "Muslim Fraudster Hasanat Exposed." Reddit, r/islam, 25 June 2019. https://www.reddit.com/r/islam/comments/c27zps/muslim_fraudster_hasanat_exposed/. Accessed 25 March 2025.