Insolvency experts handling the administration of a prominent Orthodox charity voucher scheme have released new information about its problems.

The Society of Friends of the Torah (Soft) had been “the subject of an ongoing investigation, following a voluntary disclosure made to HMRC and the Charity Commission”.

In a statement, RG Insolvency said they understood that “the confidential disclosures were made following professional advice from auditors, accounting advisers and solicitors”.

When the tax authorities suspended Gift Aid refunds on donations pending the outcome of investigations, Soft’s trustees took advice.

In order to protect the charity’s assets, they were advised to stop operations and appoint administrators.

According to its last publicly available accounts, Soft had an income of £20.7 million in 2017 and assets of £2.8 million.

RG Insolvency is currently investigating its records, transactions and the events that have led to the current situation.

Administrators Michael Goldstein and Avner Radomsky said they “continue to sympathise with the many affected parties within and beyond the community and are actively working to resolve the position”.

They reminded donors that voucher books and pre-paid vouchers would no longer be honoured.

Recipients of Soft vouchers will no longer will be able to cash them.