Gardaí receive file on alleged Nama data leaks

Garda detectives last night took receipt of a file on alleged leaking of information from Nama which a senator has claimed contains details that will “rock” the agency to its very core.

The development comes after it was confirmed two former Nama employees are being investigated by gardaí.

Fianna Fáil senator Darragh O’Brien delivered documents to gardaí last night that include claims by an unidentified individual that he was used to undervalue loans held by banks to keep Nama in a good light and that the individual “destroyed people with those valuations”.

Mr O’Brien claimed questions needed to be answered by senior officials in the Department of Finance about the leaking of private commercial information to bidders who were selected by Nama and the department.

Separately, Taoiseach Enda Kenny told the Dáil the Garda Commissioner had appointed a special liaison officer to handle complaints about Nama.

The move comes after it was confirmed this week that a former middle-ranking employee is being investigated by gardaí. This complaint was passed to gardaí in February, Nama said.

A separate complaint about another employee leaking sensitive details about property was given to gardaí 15 months ago, Nama said.

The Public Accounts Committee confirmed its members would examine calling Nama in for questioning on the issue.

Nama said it was “willing to co-operate” with such a request.

Speaking in the Seanad ahead of handing the documents over to gardaí, Mr O’Brien said: “I have been made aware of very serious allegations concerning the deliberate undervaluing of loans at pre-sale, with a view to turning over a profit for public relations and political reasons and conferring advantage to certain bidders.

“It is a very serious situation if taxpayers are to be on the hook for the sale of performing loans at a discounted rate to preferred bidders.

“If even part of these allegations is true, it will undermine the entire operation of Nama.”

Meanwhile, in a separate development, it was confirmed by gardaí that solicitors for property developer Paddy McKillen gave gardaí a letter on Dec 11 making complaints about Nama and claiming private information and details relating to business were given to rivals.