Irish Crypto Charity AB Foundation Shut Down Amid Regulatory Scrutiny

The AB Foundation, an Irish nonprofit crypto charity chaired by former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, is being dissolved through a voluntary strike-off after failing to conduct operational meetings beyond its launch.

Launched in early 2025, the foundation never traded and reportedly failed to hold any official meetings following its inauguration. Despite recruiting an extensive advisory network featuring nearly 30 former heads of state and international leaders, the charity was shrouded in controversy after investigations revealed ties between AB and a Cambodian conglomerate facing U.S. sanctions over alleged involvement in crypto fraud, scam operations, and human trafficking networks.

Ahern had previously pushed back against these claims, stating he had 'zero connection' to a proposed cryptocurrency resort and development project in Timor-Leste involving a Chinese-born businessman linked to the foundation's ecosystem. He emphasized that he knew nothing of the project beyond his ceremonial role with the charity.