Fundraiser for extreme right-wing website led by NY family found to have scammed donors to purchase a fake medieval fortress, announced the New York Attorney General.
New York Attorney General Files Lawsuit Against Right-Wing Nonprofit
New York Attorney General Letitia James has taken legal action against the VDARE Foundation, a right-wing nonprofit organization, alleging self-dealing and the misuse of charitable assets. The lawsuit, filed on Monday, accuses the Foundation's controlling members, Peter and Lydia Brimelow, of treating the organization like a "personal piggy bank."
The lawsuit alleges that the Brimelow family funneled "millions of dollars in charitable assets" to family-controlled entities by 2024. However, the lawsuit does not specify the exact amount or the identities of the receiving entities.
One of the most controversial transactions mentioned in the lawsuit is the purchase of a "medieval-style castle" in West Virginia for approximately $1.4 million in 2020. The owner of the property is none other than Peter Brimelow, one of the defendants in the case. James's office claims that the Brimelows never used the property for the stated purpose of conferences and office space.
The lawsuit further alleges that the Brimelows made payments to family-controlled entities without any determination of reasonableness. James stated that charities are intended to serve the public, not to bankroll castles or pad personal fortunes.
In response to the allegations, Peter Brimelow has stated that the lawsuit is an extension of political animosity from Letitia James. The lawsuit does not state whether the Brimelow family has responded to the allegations beyond Peter Brimelow's statement to the Morgan Messenger.
The VDARE Foundation operated a far-right blog that promoted white nationalist rhetoric and anti-immigration policies. The lawsuit does not provide details on the nature of the transactions between the VDARE Foundation and the family-controlled entities.
Notably, no inquiry was made by the non-Brimelow directors of VDARE's board as to whether the payments to Peter and Lydia Brimelow were for legitimate business purposes or in service of VDARE's mission.
James announced that her office is taking action to ensure the funds are used for their intended charitable purpose, remove the Brimelows from control, and shut down the VDARE Foundation. The lawsuit does not provide a date for when the alleged funneling of funds to family-controlled entities began.
As the case unfolds, it raises questions about the accountability of nonprofit organizations and the use of charitable funds. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
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