Latest news with #Kinahans
Sunday World
2 days ago
- Sunday World
Sean McGovern ‘relieved' to be back in Ireland after eight months in Dubai jail
The Kinahans are 'not panicking' over McGovern's extradition Senior Kinahan gang member Sean McGovern was 'relieved' to be extradited back to Ireland after spending eight months in prison in Dubai. A source involved in his 'complicated and secretive' extradition said gardaí believed he was being returned home on a couple of other occasions in recent months, only for legal issues to arise at the last minute. The 39-year-old Dubliner is one of cartel leader Daniel Kinahan's closest confidants. The leadership of the Kinahan cartel, including Daniel, his father Christy Sr and brother Christopher Jr, remain in Dubai. The Kinahans are 'not panicking' over McGovern's extradition and 'have no plans to flee Dubai', according to garda intelligence. 'They've no plans to flee, and if they did, we would be able to find them because of international co-operation,' a source said. Gardaí are awaiting a direction from the DPP on whether Daniel Kinahan and other members of his family should face a range of criminal charges, including leadership of an organised crime gang. Sean McGovern News in 90 seconds - June 2nd The state prosecutor has been considering an extensive garda file on Daniel Kinahan and other senior cartel members for two years. 'It could be a good sign there is no direction yet. It means the DPP is very thoroughly looking at it,' the source said. As first reported in the Sunday World last year, the proposed extradition of McGovern was seen as a 'test case' for plans to eventually attempt to return Daniel Kinahan to Ireland to face charges. The source pointed out that navigating the extradition process for McGovern would prove 'very helpful' if gardaí make attempts to extradite Daniel Kinahan. 'The extradition process for Sean McGovern was challenging. Due process had to take place, which meant a lot of legal issues had to be overcome,' the source said. A good relationship was developed with authorities in the United Arab Emirates and there was a significant amount of help from Interpol on this case too, but it was a secretive process and very different to our own.' Armed gardaí outside courts ahead of the appearance of Sean McGovern last Thursday. Photo: PA It is understood gardaí did not receive regular updates on developments in Dubai in relation to McGovern's planned extradition and instead 'had to trust the process'. Meanwhile, the father-of-two's journey home on a military aircraft that made a number of stops en route passed off without incident. McGovern's partner and the mother of his two children is expected to return to Ireland from Dubai. McGovern, formerly of Kildare Road, Crumlin, is the most senior member of the Kinahan crime group to be charged before the Irish courts. Sean MCGovern and Anita Freeman He appeared in the Special Criminal Court last Thursday evening, shortly after arriving in Ireland. He is charged with the murder of Noel Kirwan (62) at St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin, on December 22, 2016. Kirwan was shot dead as he sat in his car with his partner in the driveway of her home. He was not involved in the feud, but was targeted after being spotted beside Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch at a funeral. McGovern is also charged with directing a criminal organisation involved in the conspiracy to murder a rival gangster. The alleged offences were carried out as part of the Hutch-Kinahan feud, which claimed up to 18 lives in Ireland and abroad.
Sunday World
5 days ago
- Sunday World
Gardaí set sights on cartel chief Daniel Kinahan after right-hand man is charged on extradition from Dubai
Sean McGovern (39) is the most senior member of the crime group to appear in an Irish court after he was charged with murder and directing a crime gang. The Air Corps plane arrives at Baldonnel, Dublin with Sean McGovern following his extradition from Dubai. Photo: Gerry Mooney Members of the garda armed support unit outside the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin yesterday, ahead of the court appearance of Sean McGovern. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Wire Gardaí are confident of extraditing cartel leader Daniel Kinahan back to Ireland after his closest confidant was returned from Dubai to face serious charges. Sean McGovern (39) is the most senior member of the crime group to appear in an Irish court after he was charged with murder and directing a crime gang. The Crumlin man was arrested last October and finally removed from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following a protracted legal and diplomatic process. Daniel Kinahan His removal from the UAE, long considered a safe haven for Irish criminals, has now given renewed confidence to detectives that his boss Daniel Kinahan can be returned. The State's prosecution service and a special counsel are understood to still be reviewing a lengthy file received nearly two years ago on Daniel Kinahan and his younger brother Christy, to determine if they should face prosecution. Gardaí have recommended that they be charged with directing a criminal organisation, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment on conviction. Sean McGovern Sources have described this as an 'all-encompassing' charge which reflects a wide range of offending including murder and conspiracy to murder as well as drugs and firearms offences. 'The decision lies with the DPP on whether to charge, but gardaí are confident that if this does happen, the Kinahans will be extradited back here,' a source said. The gang's leadership continues to reside in the emirate, although there are concerns that they could now move to a state more hostile to Western interests on the back of McGovern's extradition. It opens the door for future co-operation Acting Garda Commissioner Shawna Coxon last night described it as a 'precedent-setting case' and that they have signed a memorandum of understanding 'which opens the door for future co-operation'. Ms Coxon also said she 'can't speak to any specific investigation' when asked if gardaí were any further to preferring charges against the Kinahan leadership. Earlier she said that gardaí have developed 'major international partnerships' to target international crime gangs. This includes at judicial level with the UAE and a police-to-police basis which is of value, adding that it is something they will continue to develop. Ms Coxon also acknowledged the assistance of the Irish Air Corps for its 'valued co-operating in this operation'. Last night, Sean McGovern was brought before the Special Criminal Court amid a heavy armed garda presence to be formally charged. He is accused of the murder of innocent grandfather Noel Kirwan (62) in December 2016, and related offences of directing and facilitating a crime gang to carry out that murder. Noel Kirwan, who was shot dead in December 2016, and Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch McGovern is further accused of directing a crime gang to carry out surveillance on Hutch associate James 'Mago' Gately between October 2015 and April 2017, and assisting that gang conspire to murder him. Defence barrister Olan Callanan BL told the court that they were reserving their position in relation to the lawfulness of McGovern's arrest and the jurisdiction of the court. Detective Sergeant Donal Daly gave evidence of arresting the accused for the purposes of charging him and explained that the DPP certified that he should be charged before the non-jury court. The accused, dressed in a grey T-shirt, grey tracksuit bottoms, socks and sandals, only addressed the court to say 'yes' when asked to confirm he was Sean McGovern. No application for bail was made as this can only be sought before the High Court on charges of murder or organised crime offences. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, presiding, remanded McGovern in custody and he is due to appear before the court again on June 5.
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
BreakingNews.ie
24-04-2025
- BreakingNews.ie
Teen tried to board flight to US using passport of friend 'he looked a bit like', court hears
A "naive" Cork teenager tried to get through border controls at Shannon Airport to board a US-bound flight using a friend's passport who "he looked a bit like', a court has heard. At Ennis District Court, Judge Alec Gabbett imposed 80 hours community service in lieu of four months in prison on Aaron O'Brien (19), of Innishannon Road, Fair Hill, Cork. Advertisement This was after O'Brien pleaded guilty to having in his possession an Irish passport in the name of Jordan White, which he knew to be a false instrument on November 5th at Shannon Airport with the intention to inducing another person to believe that it was genuine, contrary to Section 29 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. The judge said O'Brien was not a candidate for custody "notwithstanding the seriousness of the offence." Solicitor for O'Brien, John Casey, told the court that the incident was not like "the Hutches or the Kinahans going in and out of Iraq and Iran". Mr Casey said O'Brien 'did not have a hope in hell' in getting past US border controls at Shannon with his friend's passport. Advertisement Judge Gabbett said O'Brien was fortunate that there is a US border control at Shannon Airport and was not allowed to get on the departing flight as he could have faced a few nights in custody at JFK or Logan airport if the US border controls were based on the other side. Mr Casey explained that O'Brien's wife was on holidays with her family in the US and was pregnant and fell sick. Mr Casey said that O'Brien got a short-term visa to go to America and he went to Dublin Airport and when he got there for whatever reason, as he has no previous convictions, he was told that he was not travelling. Mr Casey said O'Brien went back to Cork and got his friend's passport, then travelled to Shannon Airport where he was stopped by staff. Advertisement Gardaí got involved when O'Brien tried to get through US border controls, Mr Casey told the court. On his friend's passport, Mr Casey said O'Brien "looked a bit like him alright". Mr Casey said O'Brien never thought it out and he just wanted to be with his wife – she is heavily pregnant now and did get back home. Ireland Irish passport named the strongest in the world in... Read More Mr Casey said it would have been O'Brien's first trip to the US. Judge Gabbett said O'Brien was obviously naive in trying this "as anyone who has been through US immigration knows that your face is scanned, your hand is scanned and fingerprints are taken". "I get why he did it because of his wife falling ill and his own passport not going to work," the judge said. Judge Gabbett said he had to convict O'Brien of the offence as the Irish passport is sacrosanct and allows travel to 120 countries without a visa.
Irish Daily Mirror
24-04-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Naive teen tried to board US flight with passport of pal he 'looked a bit like'
A 'naive' Cork teenager tried to get through US Customs & Border controls at Shannon Airport to board a US-bound flight with a friend's passport who "he looked a bit like', a court has heard. At Ennis District Court, Judge Alec Gabbett imposed 80 hours community service in lieu of four months in prison on Aaron O'Brien, 19, of Innishannon Road, Fair Hill, Cork. This was after Mr O'Brien pleaded guilty to having in his possession an Irish passport in the name of Jordan White, which he knew to be a false instrument, on November 5 at Shannon Airport with the intention to induce another person to believe that it was genuine, contrary to the Section 29 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. Judge Gabbett commented: 'Mr O'Brien is not a candidate for custody notwithstanding the seriousness of the offence." Solicitor for Mr O'Brien, John Casey, told the court 'this is not the Hutches or the Kinahans going in and out of Iraq and Iran'. Mr Casey said that Mr O'Brien 'did not have a hope in hell' in getting past US border controls at Shannon with his friend's passport. Judge Gabbett said that Mr O'Brien was fortunate that there is a US border control at Shannon Airport and was not allowed to get on the departing flight as he could have faced a few nights in custody at JFK or Logan Airport if the US border controls were based on the other side. Mr Casey explained that Mr O'Brien's wife was on holidays with her family in the US and was pregnant and fell sick. Mr Casey said that Mr O'Brien got a short-term visa to go to America and he went to Dublin Airport and when he got there, for whatever reason - as he has no previous convictions - he was told that he was not travelling. Mr Casey said that Mr O'Brien went back down to Cork and got his friend's passport and went to Shannon Airport. He was stopped there and Gardaí got involved when Mr O'Brien tried to get through US border controls. On his friend's passport, Mr Casey said that Mr O'Brien 'looked a bit like him alright'. Mr Casey said that Mr O'Brien never thought it out and he just wanted to be with his wife and she is heavily pregnant now and did get back home. Mr Casey said that it was Mr O'Brien's first trip to the US. Judge Gabbett said Mr O'Brien was obviously naive in trying this "as anyone who has been through US immigration knows that your face is scanned, your hand is scanned and fingerprints are taken'. Judge Gabbett said: 'I get why he did it because of his wife falling ill and his own passport not going to work." Judge Gabbett said that he had to convict Mr O'Brien of the offence as the Irish passport is sacrosanct and allows travel to 120 countries without a visa.
