Liberty Recycling faces investigation over alleged money laundering

The High Court has been informed of an investigation into Liberty Recycling regarding the suspected laundering of criminal proceeds through the charity’s bank accounts. Gardaí are currently examining suspicious international fund transfers routed through the organization. During the investigation, authorities seized two BMW X5 vehicles and discovered that a Porsche and another BMW had been purchased in the charity’s name.

The Charities Regulator informed the court that Aengus Ó Snodaigh, a Sinn Féin TD acting as chairperson of Liberty Recycling, signed off on the establishment of two related entities that were not charities. One entity was reportedly created to participate in a Department of Social Protection scheme, while another was established due to VAT treatment issues regarding clothing sales. Mr. Ó Snodaigh also reportedly signed a letter expressing no objection to a third entity involved in the buying and selling of cars.

Madeline Delaney, Chief Executive of the Charities Regulator, stated in an affidavit that while there is no evidence suggesting trustees are aware of or involved in criminal activity, the creation of separate corporate entities represents a complete failure of governance. The regulator expressed serious concern that the charity’s operations and bank accounts were being used for unlawful purposes.

Separately, Fine Gael members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) have requested that the PAC chair, Sinn Féin TD John Brady, summon officials from the Charities Regulator and the Department of Social Protection. The request aims to examine how Liberty Recycling was monitored and how its connected public funding was managed.