Sinn Féin backs investigation into charity chaired by party TD

Aengus Ó Snodaigh: There is no suggestion of wrongdoing on his behalf and Sinn Féin said he has not been contacted by gardaí. File picture

Sinn Féin said it supports an investigation into a charity at the centre of a money-laundering investigation, which is chaired by a party TD.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh is chairman of Dublin-based Liberty Recycling, a social enterprise focused on clothes recycling.

There is no suggestion of wrongdoing on his behalf and Sinn Féin said he has not been contacted by gardaí.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said if any wrongdoing is uncovered related to the charity, there must be consequences.

“We support any inquiry into potential wrongdoing, and we support the Charities Regulator and An Garda Síochána in carrying out their work,” she said on Friday.

“We wish them well in that. If there is evidence of wrongdoing, that needs to come to light, and there has to be consequences for anybody carrying out any wrongdoing.

”I should say also that we are conscious that there are people whose jobs and whose livelihoods are now in the balance because of all of this, and I’m conscious of their feelings too.

“But in the end, the truth must come out, and if there has been wrongdoing, then I trust that the gardaí and indeed the Charities Regulator will deal with those matters, and that the appropriate responses and sanctions, if that’s appropriate, will be applied.” 

Garda searches and seizures

On Tuesday and Wednesday, gardaí seized two BMW X5s and luxury goods including Rolex watches and Louis Vuitton bags in a number of searches as part of a probe carried out in consultation with the Charities Regulator.

A Garda spokesperson said: “As part of an ongoing investigation by detectives attached to the money laundering investigation unit at the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau, gardaí carried out a number of searches at locations in the Dublin, eastern and southern regions on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“During the course of the searches, gardaí seized two BMW X5 cars with a total estimated value of €250,000, and other high-value items including Louis Vuitton bags, Rolex watches, and jewellery with a total estimated value of €440,000.

“The investigation, into a Dublin-based charitable organisation, is carried out in conjunction with the office of the Charities Regulator.

“Investigations are ongoing.” 

The charity operates out of multiple locations and has a wider management team.

A Sinn Féin spokesperson said: “Sinn Féin has become aware of an ongoing Garda investigation, which is taking place in conjunction with the office of the Charities Regulator, into a charity organisation of which Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh is a board member and chair.

“Sinn Féin fully supports any investigation.

“Deputy Ó Snodaigh has engaged with the office of the Charities Regulator.

“He has not been contacted by gardaí, but if required he will make himself available to assist with their inquiries.” Gardaí did not identify any individuals in the press statement around the investigation.

The Charities Regulator said: “We can confirm that we are engaging with the charity’s trustees.

“As there is an active Garda investigation, the Charities Regulator cannot comment further.”