Woman Arrested as BLM Charity Fundraiser ‘Goes Missing’

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of stealing funds raised by a Bristol Black Lives Matter group after protesters toppled the statue of Sir Edward Colston last year.

Following the act of vandalism, which received international attention, the Bristol-based Black Lives Matter group ‘BrisBLM’ fundraising page went viral raising some £32,334, with one donor giving £20,000.

The crowdfunding pitch had promised to donate the proceeds to the local youth charity Changing Your Mindset, which is based in the city’s Malcolm X Centre. However, the money was never provided to the charity, which intended to send 15 teenagers on a trip to West Africa.

A spokesman said: “Changing Your Mindset can confirm that on May 25, 2021, an allegation was made to Avon and Somerset police in relation to the non-receipt of funds raised from the GoFundMe BrisBLM For Changing Your Mindset appeal, and that Avon and Somerset police have advised that they are now carrying out an investigation.

“We thank those that have been affected for their patience.”

The Avon and Somerset police confirmed that they have arrested a woman in her twenties on suspicion of theft relating to the money.

Following the scandal, the Bristol Black Lives Matter group changed its name to All Black Lives Bristol and announced that it is now affiliated with the BLM splinter group All Black Lives UK.

A spokesman for All Black Lives UK claimed that the theft was a result of mental health issues.