Edward and David Cohen, aged 65 and 37, respectively, also denied counts of providing false statements to obtain benefits, with the latter also pleading not guilty to one count of dishonestly failing to notify the Department for Work and Pensions of a change of circumstances which would affect benefits.
The pair, as trustees of charities Chabad UK and previously Brocho Vhatziocho, Mamosh Worldwide, Ozer Dalim and Havenpoint Worldwide, also deny providing false and misleading information to the Charity Commission – namely, that the charities had no income.
All five defendants were bailed, and are due to appear for trial at Southwark Crown Court on March 21.
Maurice Gross was granted unconditional bail, while Jacob and Mindy Gross are required to provide authorities with seven days’ notice if they wish to travel outside of the UK.
Edward Cohen, who also registered a business address at 53 Oldhill Street in Stamford Hill, which is the address of Chabad UK and Havenpoint, and David Cohen have been prohibited from applying from leaving the country under their bail conditions.
Chabad UK is an entirely separate charity from Chabad Lubavitch UK, and is not part of the offical Chabad movement.
