AG James filed a lawsuit against the VDARE Foundation (VDARE) and its leaders, founder Peter Brimelow and his wife, Lydia Brimelow, for years of self-dealing and abuse of charitable assets in violation of New York law. The lawsuit alleges that the Brimelows diverted at least $2 million in charitable funds from VDARE to benefit themselves and their families, while the organization repeatedly failed to submit required financial filings or submitted untruthful certifications. VDARE also continued to solicit donations even after publicly – and falsely – declaring it had shut down. Attorney General James is seeking to recover monetary damages and permanently bar the Brimelows from soliciting for or managing any New York charity. Attorney General James is also asking the court to dissolve the VDARE Foundation and place the charity’s remaining assets under court supervision to be redirected to legitimate charitable purposes.

“Charities are intended to serve the public, not to bankroll castles or pad personal fortune. The Brimelows used VDARE like their personal piggy bank, draining millions in charitable assets to enrich themselves. New Yorkers deserve accountability, and we will not allow these bad actors to keep abusing the trust of their donors and the public. My office is taking action to ensure these funds are used for their intended charitable purpose, remove the Brimelows from control, and shut down this fraudulent organization.” – AG James