$5m reward for arrest of Kinahan gang leaders announced

The US government has offered a reward of up to $5m for information leading to the arrest or the financial disruption of the Kinahan organised crime group.

They have also imposed sanctions on the three most senior members of the Kinahan gang, Christy Snr, Daniel or Christopher Jnr.

The details of the unprecedented joint action by Irish, British and American law enforcement were revealed at a press event this morning by US ambassador to Ireland Claire Cronin.

Ambassador Cronin said transnational organised crime threatens global stability and democracy and that every year millions of lives are affected by transnational organisations due to drugs and crime.

Ambassador Cronin said tackling the Kinahans “is an urgent priority for President Biden and the US government.”

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said this action is only the “first phase” to tackle the Kinahan crime gang and that remaining members of the gang can run but “can’t hide from justice forever.”

The sanctions announced this morning mean that money or assets the Kinahans have in the US, or in US banks, can be frozen, as well as any US-controlled properties, similar to the restrictions placed on Russian oligarchs in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine.

As well as this, their credit cards can be blocked and they cannot fly on US airlines.

Along with the three Kinahans, who are all now based in the United Arab Emirates, the sanctions also apply to associates Sean McGovern, Ian Dixon and Bernard Clancy, who are all based in Dubai, and John Morrissey who lives in Spain.

Two UAE-based companies, Hoopoe Sports and Ducashew General Trading, are sanctioned, as is Nero Drinks, which is based in Glasgow, and produces Nero Vodka.

Sinn Féin TD for Dublin North West, Dessie Ellis says he welcomes today’s decision by the US Treasury Department to include senior members of the Kinahan crime gang on its Office of Foreign Assets Control list.

“I want to commend the Gardaí on this initiative and very much welcome today’s move by the US government to impose sanctions on senior members of the Kinahan crime gang,” Deputy Ellis said.

“It is a hugely significant step that will assist in putting this gang and their associates out of business.

“As a TD for Dublin North West, I know the devastation these criminals have brought to working class communities right across Dublin and beyond.

“They shamelessly exploit the vulnerability and naivety of youth and pressurise otherwise good people to make life-changing bad choices.

“They promise glitz and glamour but only deliver death and devastation.

“Making sure the Gardaí are fully resourced to take these people on, in addition to international moves like the one today, are the only way to take out these criminals, which form an international organisation. Today’s move is a very welcome step.”

Green Party Justice spokesperson Patrick Costello TD also welcomed today’s announcement of new international sanctions.

“The joint announcement from the US government, An Garda Síochána and their international law enforcement colleagues is a testament to the power of international collaboration and cooperation,” Deputy Costello said.

“Having worked as social worker on the ground in Dublin I have seen first-hand how the Kinahans have destroyed lives and preyed on the most vulnerable in our society.

“Their cartel operates across the globe and I commend the work the Gardaí have done to arrange this coalition of global law enforcement agencies with sufficient resources to overpower the Kinahans.

“There is an untold human cost from the continuation of this insidious narco-business on communities across Ireland and internationally.

“It is incredibly important now that any business or individual who has facilitated laundering of the Kinihans’ money or reputations gets the message loud and clear that the Kinihans and their associates will be brought to justice”.