Latest news with #ForeignNarcoticsKingpinDesignationAct
Time Business News
15-05-2025
- Time Business News
U.S. Government Intensifies Global Hunt for The Kinahan Organized Crime Group
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States government, in collaboration with global law enforcement partners including INTERPOL, Europol, the United Kingdom's National Crime Agency, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), continues to escalate efforts in the worldwide pursuit of the Kinahan Organized Crime Group (KOCG)—a transnational criminal enterprise linked to drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, money laundering, and murder. Known for its roots in Ireland but with tentacles stretching across Europe, the Middle East, South America, and Asia, the KOCG has risen to the top of international watchlists as one of the world's most elusive and dangerous crime syndicates. In response to the group's continued defiance and brazen ability to evade arrest, the U.S. Department of the Treasury in 2022 formally designated the Kinahan cartel under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. It announced USD 5 million rewards for information leading to the arrest or conviction of key members. This press release explores the Kinahan family's global evasion strategies, the U.S. government's efforts to dismantle the group, and what Amicus International Consulting can do to help governments identify and counter criminal identity obfuscation. Who Are the Kinahans? Founded in the late 1990s by Dublin-born Christy Kinahan Sr., also known as 'The Dapper Don,' the Kinahan crime cartel began as a local Irish drug trafficking network before expanding into a sophisticated international syndicate. Christy Kinahan Sr. and his sons, Daniel and Christopher Kinahan Jr., are alleged to be the masterminds behind the cartel's global operations. The U.S. government alleges that the Kinahans have trafficked massive quantities of cocaine from South America to Europe via the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates. The group has also been tied to contract killings, tax fraud, and front businesses used to launder hundreds of millions of euros. U.S. Sanctions and Global Warrants In April 2022, the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned the Kinahan cartel and several of its known associates. This action froze all assets in the U.S. and barred American individuals or companies from conducting any transactions with them. The State Department also placed the Kinahans on its narcotics most-wanted list. Daniel Kinahan , a boxing promoter previously involved with high-profile international sporting events, has gone into hiding. , a boxing promoter previously involved with high-profile international sporting events, has gone into hiding. Christy Kinahan Sr. reportedly holds multiple passports, including forged and legitimate documents from South America, the Middle East, and Europe. reportedly holds multiple passports, including forged and legitimate documents from South America, the Middle East, and Europe. Christopher Kinahan Jr. is believed to manage aspects of the criminal enterprise remotely using encrypted communications and proxy networks. Despite being sanctioned and blocked, the Kinahans continue to evade capture by exploiting weak jurisdictions, bribing officials, and using sophisticated identity-fraud strategies. How the Kinahans Are Evading Capture The Kinahan Organization has demonstrated advanced capabilities in avoiding law enforcement detection. According to intelligence from European authorities and DEA investigators, the family has employed a wide range of tactics: 1. Use of Multiple Passports and Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programs The Kinahans are believed to have secured multiple second citizenship through CBI programs in countries like St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica. These passports enable them to travel freely, open bank accounts, and conduct business under alternative legal identities. 2. Residency in Non-Extradition Countries Daniel Kinahan has reportedly resided in the United Arab Emirates, which has historically presented difficulties for extradition to the U.S. and Ireland. Legal experts note that the Kinahans have strategically chosen jurisdictions that are slow or resistant to complying with international arrest warrants. 3. Facial Recognition Obfuscation Credible evidence suggests using biometric evasion tools, including cosmetic surgery, facial prosthetics, and software-based cloaking techniques. These technologies defeat facial recognition systems at airports and border controls. 4. Shell Companies and Complex Money Laundering Networks The KOCG operates dozens of front companies across Europe, the Caribbean, and the Middle East, including gyms, boxing promotions, and consulting firms. These businesses are used to launder drug proceeds and fund legal operations that mask criminal activity. 5. Encrypted Communications and Air-Gapped Devices Daniel Kinahan manages communications via encrypted messaging services and air-gapped laptops, minimizing digital trails. Law enforcement sources say the group uses burner phones, digital dead drops, and private VPNS to remain invisible online. Case Studies: Where the Kinahans Slipped Through the Net Case Study 1: Dubai Safe Haven In 2020, Daniel Kinahan lived openly in Dubai, frequently appearing at boxing events and social gatherings. Despite intelligence reports and Interpol Red Notices, local enforcement failed to act on arrest warrants. Sources suggest the Kinahans maintained political connections and held valid residency visas under aliases. Case Study 2: Dominica Passport Acquisition Investigative journalism in 2022 revealed that Christy Kinahan Sr. and another family associate acquired second passports from Dominica by declaring fictitious businesses and providing clean background checks, achieved by using intermediaries who submitted forged or sanitized documents. Case Study 3: Proxy Operations in Spain In 2021, Spanish law enforcement intercepted a narcotics shipment linked to the Kinahan cartel. The operation, traced to a shell company in Valencia, was managed remotely by Christopher Kinahan Jr., who used a fake Portuguese identity and delegated operational control to lower-level associates. Law Enforcement's Coordinated Global Strategy The Kinahans' visibility and growing audacity have forced international agencies to escalate their collaborative efforts. The U.S. government now works directly with Europol, INTERPOL, the UK's National Crime Agency, and Irish Gardaí to coordinate intelligence and enforcement actions. Key strategies include: Biometric Watchlists: Enhanced biometric data collection at global airports to flag known fugitives. Enhanced biometric data collection at global airports to flag known fugitives. Financial Surveillance: Real-time monitoring of suspicious transactions tied to flagged passports or CBI program recipients. Real-time monitoring of suspicious transactions tied to flagged passports or CBI program recipients. Data Sharing Protocols: Immediate cross-border exchange of arrest warrant updates and digital footprint analytics. Immediate cross-border exchange of arrest warrant updates and digital footprint analytics. Public Rewards Program: The $5 million bounty has increased tip-offs from international sources. How Amicus International Consulting Can Help Governments Combat Fugitive Tactics Amicus International Consulting specializes in the lawful investigation and analysis of second citizenship misuse, forged identity documents, and the creation of synthetic identities. We assist governments, financial institutions, and international agencies build screening protocols that detect criminally obtained documents, biometric evasion techniques, and forged credentials. With decades of experience in international law, migration due diligence, and digital identity forensics, Amicus offers expert support in areas such as: CBI Risk Audits Fake Passport Detection Second Identity Screening High-risk Individual Monitoring Synthetic Identity Unravelling We support global law enforcement agencies with private intelligence, digital trace analysis, and investigation of complex international networks that conceal the identities of fugitives like the Kinahans. Conclusion: A Race Against Time The Kinahan Organized Crime Group remains one of the most significant global threats in the fight against narcotics trafficking and organized crime. As law enforcement agencies ramp up pressure and close the net, the Kinahans continue evolving—adapting to new technologies, legal loopholes, and geographic shifts. The U.S. government has made it clear that capturing the Kinahan leadership is a top international priority. But as the group leverages identity manipulation, international safe havens, and financial subterfuge, dismantling its network will require unwavering global cooperation, better digital intelligence, and more robust identity verification systems. Governments, financial institutions, and border agencies must remain vigilant. Companies like Amicus International stand ready to help ensure that justice is not lagging in the digital age. 📞 Contact Information Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402 Email: info@ Website: Follow Us: 🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 Twitter/X 🔗 Facebook 🔗 Instagram TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Yahoo
Orange County music exec worked with cartel-tied concert promoter: DOJ
A Huntington Beach man and his music company were convicted on 11 federal criminal counts for working with a concert promoter in Mexico who has ties to drug cartels. José Ángel Del Villar, 44, of Huntington Beach and the CEO of Del Records and connected talent agency Del Entertainment Inc., was convicted by a jury on Thursday of 10 counts of violating the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act and an additional count of conspiracy to transact in property of specially designated narcotics traffickers in violation of the Kingpin Act, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a news release. Del Entertainment was also convicted on the same 11 charges. The cartel-affiliated figure in question is Jesús Pérez Alvear, aka 'Chucho' of Guadalajara, who promoted concerts for Del Entertainment until 2019. Pérez also 'facilitated money laundering for the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) and the Los Cuinis drug trafficking organization,' prompting his designation as a narcotic trafficker in 2018. Under the Kingpin Act, that label makes it illegal for Americans to work with him. Del Villar knew this, yet his artists continued to perform at Pérez's events. At one point, Del Records drafted a press release 'stating the company had 'no choice; but to 'obey U.S. law and not allow the bookings of any of my shows to individuals the Dept. of Treasury has deemed sanctioned,'' the Los Angeles Times reports. That release, however, was never sent out, and the shows continued. One 'well-known musician' whom FBI agents 'explicitly' told about Pérez's narcotic trafficker status performed in Mexico in 2018 and traveled to the show via a private jet paid for by Del Villar's credit card, officials said. 'The defendants here chose to get into business with an individual they knew had ties to the CJNG and had been designated a narcotics trafficker under the Kingpin Act,' acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally said in the release. 'Cartels and transnational criminal organizations cause immeasurable harm to our country. We are using every tool to eliminate these organizations and will prosecute those that do business with cartels.' Del Villar faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for each count. His sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 15. His co-defendant Luca Scalisi, 58, of West Hollywood, has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to be tried separately in July. As for Pérez, he already pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge, though he was found murdered in Mexico in December. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Sen. Durbin files bill aiming to curb gun trafficking to cartels
WASHINGTON D.C. (WCIA) — Senator Dick Durbin has introduced a bill to curb American-made guns landing in the hands of Mexican drug cartels. In the 'Stop Arming Cartels Act,' the legislation would regulate firearms from to the trafficking of them to drug cartels in order to stop violence. Durbin filed the bill in the Senate earlier this week along with Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX) filing similar legislation in the House. Protesters converge on Illinois Capitol as tensions over Trump actions rise in the chamber Durbin said gun trafficking also leads to fentanyl being brought over the U.S.' southern border. 'Our gun laws and gun industry practices fuel an iron river of firearms trafficking that supplies Mexican drug cartels and other criminal elements in the region, and it's time to cut off the iron river at its source,' Durbin said. 'With the Stop Arming Cartels Act, we can disarm cartels and help prevent the violence, drug trafficking, and irregular migration associated with cartel power and violence at home and abroad.' A study from 2021 conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives found that 70% of guns recovered that were used in crimes were from the U.S. Durbin asks DOJ to clarify scope of president's military power ahead of Trump inauguration Some of the provisions in the bill include: Prohibit future nongovernmental manufacture, importation, sale, transfer, or possession of .50 caliber rifles, as well as regulating existing rifles by requiring owners to register them under the law Allow victims of gun violence to sue manufacturers and dealers if the violate if the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (the 'Kingpin Act') Prohibit the sale or transfer of firearms to individuals sanctioned under the Kingpin Act and add Kingpin Act designations to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System Expand the requirement for firearms dealers to report multiple sales of rifles to state and local law enforcement agencies. Current laws require dealers to do the same for handguns Several advocacy groups have endorsed the bill, including Brady United Against Gun Violence, Everytown for Gun Safety, GIFFORDS, March for Our Lives, Global Exchange, Global Action on Gun Violence, Amnesty International and People's Movement for Peace and Justice. The full bill can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
