SPAC has been described as a form of prosperity gospel, believing that faith in God will bring material wealth.
[11] In 2022, it was reported that, during an investigation by the Insolvency Service, it was found that SPAC failed to provide supporting evidence to the self-reported number of over 2,000 members.
The BBC reported in November 2020 that pastor and self-styled entrepreneur Mariam Mbula was a "career con artist" who had been imprisoned in several European countries.
The police were carrying out a criminal investigation about allegations of fraud and other offences connected with people associated with SPAC Nation.
[17] From 2017 to 2018, SPAC was praised by various media, community workers, police officials, and local government for encouraging young people to abandon crime and gangs and to set themselves onto a better path.
[19] The church was noted for using ex-gang members to show younger people a different path in life they could take.
The group co-opted UK drill, a genre typically associated with violence and gangsterism, and instead used primarily Christian-based lyrics.
[26] In October 2019, SPAC Nation pastor Enrique Uwadiae was listed as one of 'London's Most Influential People' by the Evening Standard.
[19] In November 2019, it was reported that the Metropolitan Police were investigating the church for allegations of fraud and 'other possible offences'.
Police were criticised by Steve Reed, Labour shadow minister for child protection, for not acting on complaints earlier.
[9] Steve Reed further suggested that criticising SPAC Nation, an organisation that was helping to deal with the rise in knife crime in London, was for some not "convenient".
[19] The safe houses set up by the church were also criticised for leaving young people vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
Another incident involved a SPAC pastor, Enrique Uwadiae, whipping a young man with a belt while reciting a bible verse.
Jayde Edwards, a pastor from the church, ran for a council by-election representing the Conservative Party.
In February 2020, Scotland Yard announced it would not be launching a criminal investigation into SPAC Nation following a review of allegations.
[12][40] In December, police investigations associated with the fraud allegations led to an arrest of a 40 year-old male.
[note 1] SPAC was deemed to have suspicious or incorrect accounting records, which failed to support its claims of donations or alleged expenditure.
[12] SPAC was found to have submitted inconsistent information to both the Insolvency Service and the Charity Commission.