Fraud alert - Liverpool and the Jota's family deny knowing any foundation

A website named the Diogo Jota Foundation (diogojotafoundation.org), created just three days after the tragic death of the Portuguese international and his brother, André Silva, in a car accident in Spain, is raising suspicions of fraud, reports the English newspaper The Telegraph.

To date, the institution claims to have collected over £47,000—approximately €54,000—in anonymous donations since the tragedy on July 3.

According to reports from Abola, the page directs users wishing to donate to an external platform that only accepts payments via cryptocurrency, presenting it as 'the only secure payment method'.

The accumulated funds are allegedly intended for distributing meals and helping disadvantaged school children.

According to the foundation, more than 25,000 meals have already been distributed, 300 children have received educational support, and 50 partnerships have been established with various 'local' organisations.

The website also displays logos from Liverpool FC, UNICEF, Allianz, and the Portuguese NGDO Platform, which supposedly support the cause.

However, the English newspaper contacted three of these entities, and all confirmed they have no knowledge of or connection to the foundation. The same was confirmed by Diogo Jota's family, who state they have no relationship with this organization, which lists offices and phone numbers in New York, London, and Lisbon.

The Telegraph attempted to contact the listed phone numbers without success. An email sent to the provided address also went unanswered.

Furthermore, in England, the Charity Commission confirmed it has not received any registration request for this foundation, further fueling suspicions of criminal activity.