Charity with Waterford shop has expensive items seized as part of garda investigation
Gardaí have launched a money laundering investigation into Liberty Recycling, which has a premises in Waterford
A charity which has a shop in Waterford city has had a number of expensive items seized as part of a garda investigation.
A number of searches were carried out this week at locations in the Dublin, eastern and southern regions as part of the investigation.
During the course of the searches, gardaí seized two BMW X5 cars with a total estimated value of €250,000.
A number of other high value items were also seized, including Louis Vuitton bags, Rolex watches, and jewellery with a total estimated value of €40,000.
The investigation is being carried out in conjunction with the office of the Charities Regulator.
Liberty Recycling, which has a premises on Michael Street in Waterford, sells clothing and fashion items as part of a national clothing recycling social enterprise.
Gardaí did not confirm the location of the searches or whether one was carried out at the Waterford premises.
Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh is the chairman of the charity.
In a statement, Sinn Féin said it supports the investigations by gardaí and the Charities Regulator.
A party 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.”
Liberty Recycling remains on the register of the Charities Regulator, with investigations ongoing.