The board of a non-profit organisation says they want to warn people against a former board member.
The Inspire Network’s board said in a statement that former member Steve Ross is using the organisation’s name to collect money from sponsors.
Ross was dismissed from the organisation in July 2021.
“As the Board of Inspire Network we are aware of certain individuals masquerading as representatives of our organisation. We are aware that our name is being used to solicit donations illegally and we are well aware that individuals claiming to represent Inspire Network is meeting with high profile officials and organisations as if they are mandated to do so.
These individuals have received warning letters from out attorneys and are currently being investigated for fraud. They continue to fraudulently claim to have legitimacy when they don’t,” reads a statement from the board.
Imraahn Mukkadam from Inspire says Ross and his “fake board” has no association with their organisation.
“His fraudulent escapades haves been going on for too long now. He was dismissed from our organisation in July 2021. The criminal investigation into his acts of fraud is at an advanced stage. His latest attempt at misrepresentations is by changing from Inspire Network to Inspire Inc. It is nothing but a futile attempt to detract from the perpetual fraud committed against Inspire Network over the past 11 months.
“Inspire Network is a duly registered organisation and trademark. This latest attempt to undermine the Inspire brand and further confuse and mislead communities will not succeed because it has sinister and dishonest objectives. We wish to warn our community members to refrain from donating in cash or kind to Ross. He may not solicit donations under the Inspire brand as this is tantamount to fraud. Despite the damage done to the Inspire Network name through these malicious misrepresentations Inspire Network will remain true to its core values which is cohesion, communication and cooperation,” says Mukkadam.
TygerBurger asked Ross for comment and he had this to say: “You can write what you want. There have already been articles in other newspapers. The organisation used to be mine and I gave it all to them. Since last year they have been talking about a police case but nothing is happening. I even work with the police.”
Asked if his new organisation has been registered, he said he is still busy with registration.
