Hillsong Church Under Investigation for Allegedly Misusing Funds

⛪Hillsong church is currently being investigated after being accused of misusing funds.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the Australian charity watchdog is looking into claims that Hillsong is guilty of fraud, money laundering and tax evasion.

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie claimed the church misused funds citing tens of thousands of leaked financial records and documents.

According to the report, Hillsong argued Wilkie’s claims were out of context and based on “untested allegations” an employee made in another ongoing case, per the Herald.

Wilkie said the funds were used on “the kind of shopping that would embarrass a Kardashian.”

He argued it shows former Hillsong leader Brian Houston “treating private jets like Ubers.”

Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit commissioner Sue Woodward issued a statement on the matter, as the Herald reported.

“I can confirm that we are investigating concerns raised about ⛪Hillsong church charities. Hillsong has stated publicly that it is fully cooperating with regulatory authorities,” Woodward said.

She shared that “anyone can raise a concern about a charity with the ACNC.”

Woodward continued, “No matter where a concern originates, we use a standard independent process to review its details and, if necessary, we conduct an investigation. Any investigation we undertake must be thorough, comprehensive and consistent with our approach to all investigations. They can be complex and take time to complete.”