Celtic's largest shareholder, Dermot Desmond, has been named twice in the latest release of the Epstein files.
Fresh controversy has been sparked for members of the British and Irish establishment after more documents relating to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein were let out.
The documents contain thousands of names, many of whom find themselves dragged into the affair despite no evidence they even knew Epstein.
Irish billionaire Desmond, 75, is mentioned in emails from an account known as 'Gi Feather' and sent on behalf of Maryland-based developer Gerald Barton, reports the Scottish Daily Express. There is no suggestion of wrongdoing or that Desmond had any dealings with Epstein in either document.
The first message, sent on April 16, 2010, was forwarded to Epstein after being sent to the board of Landmark Land Company (LLC), founded by Barton in 1971. LLC specialises in the creation of golf courses surrounded by exclusive communities.
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In the email, Desmond is described as the "richest Irishman" who is "owner of Sandy Lane in Barbados". The luxury Sandy Lane resort was bought by an Irish consortium including Desmond, as well as JP McManus and John Magnier, in 1998.
Barton indicates that Desmond had "asked for my help in analysing a prospective investment in Canouan, which is a small island in the Grenadines". He goes on to say the pair were due to meet in May of that year.
Known as the island where 'billionaires go to escape millionaires", Canouan is located in the Caribbean nation of St Vincent and the Grenadines. It has welcomed the likes of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as well as Leonardo DiCaprio and George Clooney.
Desmond has invested heavily in the small island, where Donald Trump also owned property. In April last year, the Irish Independent lifted the lid on splits between Desmond, whose interests are in the south if the island, and other investors.
The second email, seemingly sent directly to Epstein by Barton, was sent on June 2, 2010. It states: "The world has been getting slightly better in the cold damp dungeon that Landmark has called home for the last two years. Earlier this week a much needed and appreciated ray of sunshine began to shine into our habitat.
"Dermot Desmond, one of the most respected and shrewdest of Irish-English investors, has agreed to sponsor a $20 million fund for us and he will invest 10%. It will be our responsibility, with his endorsement and investment, to raise the additional $18 million. Ideally, for me, is to find someone of equal significance in the U.S. who would agree to be a co-sponsor."
The fund, Barton states, will be "focused on investing in distressed golf communities or related properties". It adds: "We are in the process of preparing, with Dermot's help, an offering circular and when it is finished, if you would like to see it, I would of course be pleased."
It is not known what, if anything, came from the apparent sponsorship. Despite interests all over the world, Desmond is best known as the controlling shareholder of Celtic Football Club. He took majority control at Parkhead in 1999, and has seen the club enjoy an unprecedented level of success since the beginning of the millennium.
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