Daniel Kinahan 'will betray allies' to evade justice
Wanted drugs cartel chief Daniel Kinahan would do everything in his power to stay out of the clutches of the law – including betraying some of his closest allies. The net is closing in on Dubai-based Kinahan, with both the Irish authorities and America’s Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) planning to make a move on his gang this year. Justice Minister Helen McEntee this week announced that the Government is supporting gardai with a view to bringing the leadership of the Kinahan cartel to justice some time over the next 11 months. Gangland insiders have told the Irish Mirror that this could spell bad news for Kinahan’s close associates, including his right-hand man, Sean McGovern. McGovern, who was shot and injured in the Regency Hotel gun attack that killed another Kinahan mobster David Byrne, is still in Dubai, but has a European Arrest Warrant out for him. READ MORE: Local authority searching for serial dumper dubbed 'adult nappy guy' A source told the Irish Mirror: “Daniel Kinahan will do whatever it takes to ensure he is not the one who will face justice. “His freedom is more important to him than the fate of his other gang members, and that includes the likes of Sean McGovern. “He would betray them to make sure he stays free.” It comes as the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has its sights on Christy Kinahan Sr and his sons Daniel and Christopher Jr – and is expected to move before Irish authorities in lifting them from their Dubai bolthole. Sources say the DEA has been quietly building a massive case against the Kinahan cartel, after US authorities announced crippling sanctions against its leaders two years ago – and a bounty of $15million (€14 million) for information. It is now understood that the DEA hopes to move against the Kinahans soon – and may even do so before the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Ireland decides on whether charges should be implemented against its leaders later this year. A source added: “There is no doubt that having the DEA on his back must be a source of major worry for Daniel Kinahan. “It’s why nothing will be off the table for him now. That could spell bad news for others who work closely with him.” Speaking earlier this week on the Kinahan cartel, newly elected Taoiseach Simon Harris said gardai, including Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, are doing all they can to bring them to justice. Only last month, An Garda Siochana recommended that Daniel Kinahan be charged over the murder of Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch’s brother, Eddie, eight years ago. The Kinahan cartel leader is one of up to 10 suspects who gardai have recommended be charged with a number of offences in relation to the fatal shooting. Eddie Hutch, 58, a father-of-five from Poplar Row in Ballybough, was gunned down outside his home in Dublin’s north inner city on February 8, 2016. One line of investigation is that Daniel Kinahan was allegedly caught on CCTV near Eddie Hutch’s home in the days before the murder as tensions threatened to spiral out of control after the Regency Hotel gun attack on February 5, 2016. Kinahan was never arrested or interviewed in relation to the murder, but gardaí now believe they have enough evidence to recommend his prosecution in the case. Speaking about the garda efforts to tackle the Kinahans, the Taoiseach said: “The Kinahan gang has heaped death and misery on communities across this country. The Gardai have been relentless in their pursuit. “I fully support their work and will continue to support Commissioner Harris in his work to bring these criminals to justice.” For the latest breaking news and top stories, visit our homepage. Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
