Latest news with #JohnO'Driscoll
Irish Independent
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Late Garda assistant commissioner John O'Driscoll was ‘instrumental' in Irish efforts in international policing
Ms de Bolle, the Executive Director of Europol, last night received the inaugural John O'Driscoll award for International Cooperation. "John embodied good, honest policing, and this award is a reflection of his professional achievements," she said. "He laid the foundations for collaboration with Europol and with police forces in Europe and beyond to find to fight criminal groups. "In fact, he was instrumental in setting up an international law enforcement coalition involving Europol, amongst other partners such as the USA and the United Arab Emirates. "This coalition played a crucial role in dismantling this group and reducing their impact on society." Ms de Bolle received the award at the opening day of the European Anti-Financial Crime Summit 2025, which involves 700 delegates from banking, fintech and regulatory authorities. She was presented with award by Muriel O'Driscoll, wife of the late John O'Driscoll, and Jim O'Callaghan, the Minister for Justice. Appointed assistant garda commissioner for special crime operations in 2016, John O'Driscoll played a key role in combatting became the Kinahan organised crime group. He served in An Garda Síochána for 41 years, retiring in 2022. He passed away in September 2024. He was survived by his wife Muriel and his three children; Michelle, Laura and Seán. Ms O'Driscoll said: "Losing John so suddenly last September has been very difficult for us, but moments like tonight remind us that his spirit is still very much alive. "He touched so many lives with his kindness, friendship, loyalty and dedication, and we as his family have seen that reflected in the generosity and support shown to us over the past few very difficult months. "His legacy is one of dedication, resilience and an enduring commitment to justice. "He leaves behind a profound impact on Irish law enforcement enforcement, and a lasting example of what it means to live a life of purpose. "Catherine de Bolle, Europol Executive Director, is someone I know John would have respected deeply. Europol played a major role in many of the international investigations John led." Mr O'Callaghan said John O'Driscoll played a leading role in Irish efforts to fight international crime groups. "He was instrumental in efforts that led to our US partners offering substantial rewards for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the leaders of the Kinahan organised crime group," Mr O'Callaghan said. "I think it is fair to say that without John O'Driscoll's work, Ireland would not have signed an extradition treaty with the United Arab Emirates last year. This puts more pressure on those who lead these groups and seek to profit from the misery of others by removing another haven where they believe they can evade justice." He added: "This is one of John O'Driscoll enduring legacies, the building of a lasting network of cooperation with partners across borders to share intelligence, expertise and knowledge. "It is a testament to John O'Driscoll that Ireland [is] in a better place now to dismantle these groups because of the cooperation and information sharing that John spearheaded." The European Anti-Financial Crime Summit 2025 is organised by Dublin-based company AML Intelligence, the leading source of global regulatory intelligence on anti-financial crime and fraud for banks and fintechs. John Berrigan, Ireland's most senior civil servant in the European Union, will also be honoured with an award at the event. He will receive the AML Champion 2025 award from Eurogroup president and Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe. Mr Berrigan is director general of the European Commission's financial services division, DG FISMA (Directorate-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union). He played a leading role in the establishment of the EU's new Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA).
Irish Independent
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Europol chief to receive inaugural award in memory of late assistant garda commissioner John O'Driscoll
Today at 21:30 Europol chief Catherine De Bolle is to receive an award in Dublin next month in honour of the late assistant garda commissioner John O'Driscoll. Ms De Bolle, who is executive director of Europol, will be presented with the inaugural John O'Driscoll Award for International Co-Operation by Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan.
