Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 1883Fraudulent trading, misfeasance, breach of fiduciary duties (civil insolvency proceedings) · Co. Dublin · 10 Apr 2025

Colm Wu firms allegedly owed €3m for housing Ukrainian refugees, High Court hears

Companies linked to Chinese national Colm Wu are allegedly owed up to €3 million by the Department of Justice for providing accommodation to Ukrainian refugees, the High Court in Dublin heard on 10 April 2025. Insolvency practitioners Myles Kirby and Padraic O'Malley, acting as liquidators, brought proceedings claiming Wu was involved in a scheme to divert money out of his companies and had engaged in fraudulent and reckless trading, transferring assets to related companies and to himself. The liquidators also alleged Wu failed to keep proper books and records, breached fiduciary duties, and was guilty of misfeasance, leaving creditors, Revenue and trade creditors unpaid. The case was adjourned to later in April 2025 to allow Wu to consider proposals set out in a letter from the liquidators' solicitors.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court10 Apr
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • Companies linked to Colm Wu are allegedly owed up to €3 million by the Department of Justice for housing Ukrainian refugees.
  • The liquidators claim Wu was involved in a scheme to divert money out of his companies to pay debts and obligations.
  • Creditors, Revenue and trade creditors were left unpaid in many instances.
Charges
  • The liquidators claim Wu engaged in fraudulent and/or reckless trading and transferred assets to related companies and to himself.
  • It is alleged Wu failed to keep proper books and records, breached fiduciary duties, and was guilty of misfeasance.
In court
  • The High Court in Dublin heard the proceedings on 10 April 2025 before Mr Justice Mark Sanfey.
  • The case was adjourned to later in April 2025 to allow Wu to consider proposals in a letter from the liquidators' solicitors.
Other details
  • The liquidators sought a direction compelling Wu to provide documents supporting the claim that up to three of his firms are owed the money.
  • Colm Wu does not personally hold a tax clearance certificate.
7 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatCompanies linked to Colm Wu are allegedly owed up to €3 million by the Department of Justice for housing Ukrainian refugees. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe liquidators claim Wu was involved in a scheme to divert money out of his companies to pay debts and obligations. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatCreditors, Revenue and trade creditors were left unpaid in many instances. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeThe liquidators claim Wu engaged in fraudulent and/or reckless trading and transferred assets to related companies and to himself. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeIt is alleged Wu failed to keep proper books and records, breached fiduciary duties, and was guilty of misfeasance. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe case was adjourned to later in the month to allow Wu to consider proposals in a letter from the liquidators' solicitors. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherColm Wu does not personally hold a tax clearance certificate. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 10 Apr2025
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Colm Wu firms allegedly owed €3m for housing Ukranians, court hears

    First report of High Court proceedings; liquidators seek direction compelling Wu to provide documents; case adjourned to later in the month.

    accused, Colm Wu, male, Chinese, named, non-irishColm Wuvictim, Myles Kirby, male, irish (judged from name)Myles Kirbyvictim, male, irish (judged from name)