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Teenager accused of faking brain tumor to defraud charity donors

Created at 4 Jun · 12:59 AM2 sources↑ Market-relevant2 events
IN SHORT

Megan Bhari, founder of the Believe in Magic charity, is accused of faking a brain tumor to defraud donors of approximately £400,000. The funds were allegedly used for personal expenses, including trips to Disney World. Bhari founded the charity at age 16 in 2011 with her mother, Jean O'Brien.

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Key Numbers

£400,000amount allegedly defrauded
16founder's age at charity inception
2011charity founding year

Who's Involved

Megan Bhari
Founder of Believe in Magic charity, accused of fraud
Jean O'Brien
Co-founder of Believe in Magic charity and mother of Megan Bhari
Teenager accused of faking brain tumor to defraud charity donors

↳ Why This Matters

The case highlights the potential for fraud within charitable organizations and the importance of donor due diligence and oversight.

Key facts

  • Megan Bhari founded the Believe in Magic charity at age 16 in 2011.
  • The charity aimed to help children with severe illnesses.
  • Bhari is accused of faking a brain tumor to defraud donors.
  • Approximately £400,000 was allegedly defrauded.
  • Funds were reportedly used for personal expenses like Disney World trips.
  • Bhari's mother, Jean O'Brien, was a co-founder.

Megan Bhari, from Kingston, South West London, founded the Believe in Magic charity at the age of 16 in 2011. Her mother, Jean O'Brien, 72, was involved as a co-founder. The charity was established with the stated aim of helping children suffering from severe illnesses. However, Bhari is now accused of faking a brain tumour to defraud pop stars and fans out of approximately £400,000. Reports suggest the funds were used for personal expenses, including trips to Disney World.

Frequently asked questions

The charity was founded by Megan Bhari, who was 16 at the time, with her mother Jean O'Brien.

The charity was established to help children suffering from severe illnesses.

She is accused of faking a brain tumor to defraud pop stars and fans out of £400,000, allegedly using the funds for personal trips.

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Cadence

How It Developed

4 Jun · 1:50 AM
The article adds that Megan Bhari's mother, Jean O'Brien, was allegedly by her side throughout the alleged fraud.
Daily Mail via PiQSuite
3 Jun · 11:47 PM
A 16-year-old girl faked a brain tumor to defraud pop stars and fans of £400K, using the money for trips to Disney World.
Daily Mail via PiQSuite

Sources

T1
The 16-year-old girl who faked a brain tumour to con pop stars and fans out of £400K to pay for trips to Disney World... and how her mother was 'by her side' every step of the waym.piqsuite.com
T1
The 16-year-old girl who faked a brain tumour to con pop stars and fans out of £400,000 to pay for trips to Disney World... and how her mother was 'by her side' every step of the waym.piqsuite.com

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