Self-declared ‘diplomat’ with fake ‘LIB3RTY’ car registration plate convicted in Cork

Another identity document submitted to court claimed that his seized vehicle had been 'stolen' by two named gardaí who were 'acting as Garda for the private for profit company Kanturk Garda Station'

The identification he did have on his car, a black Toyota Auris, was a fake number plate which read ‘LIB3RTY’.

A self-declared ‘diplomat’ who drove a car with bizarre fake insurance documents, a fake disc claiming he was tax exempt and a fake car registration plate bearing the word ‘LIB3RTY’ was convicted of multiple road traffic offences in a Cork court.

Rodolfo De Jesus Moreno, 35, did not turn up for the hearing in Mallow District Court this week. But he was convicted in his absence by Judge Colm Roberts for driving offences, including driving without insurance, driving without a licence and no front and no rear identification on his car.

The identification he did have on his car, a black Toyota Auris, was a fake number plate which read ‘LIB3RTY’. A fake insurance document on the car’s windscreen claimed to operate a £4m GBP surety bond on the vehicle.

Another document attached to the windscreen where a valid tax disc should be, bore an elaborate coat of arms with the name, ‘Moreno’. That ‘tax disc’ also declared a “tax exemption under the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act 1967 (Embassies and Diplomats 1961 Convention).” 

“A sending State and an ambassador are exempt from all national taxes,” the document claimed. That document also suggested that “trespassing” on the car could incur a €1m fee.

Another identity document submitted to court claimed that Moreno was a diplomat, with the seemingly self-declared title of ‘Consul-General.’ Another document which he appeared to have signed claimed that the signatory stands “under Gods’ Law only” and has “no contract with private corporations or fictional courts.” 

Another document claimed that his seized vehicle had been “stolen” by two named gardaí in October, 2022, in Kanturk, Co. Cork, who were “acting as Garda for the private for profit company Kanturk Garda Station”. The document then said that the garage holding the seized vehicle would have to pay Moreno €500 per day to “rent” it unless they returned it promptly.

The ‘renter’ would also need to pay a €1,300 “security deposit” to the owner for the car which had been bought for some €1,700. This document was signed “sincerely and without ill will, vexation or frivolity” by Rodolfo de Jesus: Moreno.

Moreno had two previous convictions for no insurance, the court heard. A bench warrant was issued and Moreno is to be brought before the court for penalty.

Kerry case

Just days earlier, Moreno, with an address at 18 Landsdowne Village, Kenmare, Co Kerry, had been removed from Kenmare District Court with four other ‘supporters’ after some disturbance erupted when his case was being heard.

Moreno also faced a charge of driving without insurance in that case. He initially told Judge David Waters, who was presiding over that case, that he was making a special appearance for the defendant, who he referred to as Mr Dejesus.

When Judge Waters asked where the defendant was, Mr Moreno reportedly said "right here, in my hand", while raising a document to the court, The Kerryman reports. Mr Moreno refused to plead guilty and that trial has been adjourned until May 3.