Monk’s on the up in his new ’hood
Hutch invests in business as he enjoys Lanzarote life
GERRY “The Monk” Hutch has been busy extending business interests in Lanzarote since his acquittal for the murder of David Byrne almost a year ago.
The celebrity gangster has spent most of his time on the Spanish island since his release.
He is living in an area near the popular Irish tourist resort of Puerto del Carmen.
It is understood the Dubliner has invested in one or two pubs on the island and has also been busy trying to buy two other properties that are regularly rented by tourists on the northern part of Lanzarote.
One Irish resident said: “Gerry is like a celebrity around here and has spent most of his time on the island since he was freed by the courts.
“He is not trying to hide and regularly visits different bars and restaurants in Puerto del Carmen.
“You will often spot him sitting in the corner drinking a bottle of Sprite or Lucozade. He has made many friends and business associates here and generally keeps himself to himself.
“He is well-connected to the local Spanish community and knows how to get things done.
“He has an interest in one or two bars and is also trying to move into the Spanish bed and breakfast business renting rooms to people.
RESPECTED
“I know he had his eye on two properties on the north of the island but I didn’t hear whether the deals were closed yet or not. He seems to be planning to stay here full time and he and his wife are well-liked and respected by all the local expat community.”
Thousands of Irish people are now living full-time or half the year in Lanzarote to escape the winter blues.
It has become one of the most popular places for retirees who want a new life in the sun and guarantees the all year weather. There are also flights to Dublin daily.
Hutch, 60, also owns two to three other apartments on the island along with his property interests on the Costa del Sol, London, Florida, Turkey and Bulgaria which collectively are believed to be worth over €10million.
The one-time boss of the Hutch Family Organised Crime Group is still a target for the Kinahan crime gang over the 2016 Dublin Regency hotel shooting and the murder of David Byrne, a close associate of Christy and
All of The Monk’s business interests here are legitimate SOURCE ON GERRY HUTCH’S LANZAROTE LIFE
Daniel Kinahan. However, their ability to target The Monk has been diminished since they are wanted by both the American and Irish Governments and are currently hiding in Dubai. Up to 30 of their henchmen have been jailed in Ireland.
The Kinahans tried to kill The Monk in 2015 when they sent a hitman to Lanzarote to get him but failed. The source added: “Gerry is not stupid and still takes his personal security seriously but the locals here are on the lookout for him and he is well protected. He seems to want to put the past behind him and all of his business interests here are legitimate.”
Although The Monk was cleared of Byrne’s murder by the Special Criminal Court, gardai are still investigating the Hutch mob’s criminal activities.