How petty criminal’s role in murder plot revealed inner workings of Kinahan gang
International cartel wanted to murder ‘Patsy’ Hutch in feud
IT HAS been linked to dozens of murders and acts of violence, but this was the first time the Kinahan cartel was mentioned by name in court by gardaí.
The involvement of a 31-yearold petty criminal in a plot to murder Patrick Hutch helped reveal some of the inner workings of the shadowy international crime gang.
The Special Criminal Court heard yesterday that Mark Capper of Cappagh Green, Finglas, “poured cold water on” and withdrew from a plan to murder The Monk’s brother ‘Patsy’ Hutch three days before it was due to take place.
The non-jury court heard how the Kinahan gang operates a hierarchical structure, with compartmentalised “subcells” acting independently from one another.
Detective Superintendent Dave Gallagher told the Special Criminal Court he was satisfied the criminal organisation that targeted Hutch was the Kinahan gang.
This was the first time the murderous international gang has been named publicly by gardaí in court.
Murderous
He said the Kinahan gang was a criminal organisation involved in serious offences, including murderous feuds, and drug and firearms trafficking.
He explained how the gang developed sub-cells with members who were given activities to carry out by the higher level.
He said there were further hierarchical structures within the different cells, while each group would not be aware of what the other sub-cells were doing.
Det Gallagher added that the sub-cells operate to “benefit and enhance the capabilities” of the criminal organisation.
The cell assigned to murder Patrick Hutch involved up to 10 people, the detective told the court.
The plan to murder Mr Hutch involved a ruse to lure him from his home and included participants such as a spotter to give the hit team a signal when he did and the gunman, who would be taken to the scene on a motorbike.
The arrival of Storm Emma scuppered the gang’s first bid to murder Mr Hutch, the court also heard.
Capper (31) has pleaded guilty to having knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation and participating in activities intended to facilitate the commission of a serious offence by that criminal organisation, or any of its members, to wit the murder of Patrick Hutch within the State between February 1 and March 10, 2018, both dates inclusive.
Capper is closely linked with associates of another notorious criminal known as ‘Mr Flashy’ and is suspected of becoming involved in the plot through these connections.
“He isn’t a serious criminal by any means and would have been enlisted because he was completely broke and down on his luck, but also because his links to Flashy’s crew meant he could be trusted,” a source said.
“Mark Capper has 65 previous convictions but they are mainly for minor offences and despite being a big lad, he was never known for involvement in violence.
“This is a fella who loved horses but could never give them proper attention because he was always having to go to court appearances.
“In fact, before Capper pulled out of the murder plot, other criminals involved in it were raising serious concerns about his capabilities in relation to it,” the source explained.
Det Gallagher agreed with counsel for the defence, Mr Seamus Clarke SC, that Capper was a “foot soldier” in the organisation and had financial problems.
He was one of a number of cell operatives put under surveillance by the Garda’s Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, the court heard.
Audio surveillance of a vehicle recorded Capper asking Michael Burns – who has also pleaded guilty to the same offence – for a loan of €50, which he was refused. Capper was heard telling Burns he wouldn’t be sitting in the back of the car if he had any money, the court heard.
Det Supt Gallagher told the court that this shed light on Capper’s financial motivation as he was struggling to obtain €50.
On February 27, 2018, Capper was heard on audio surveillance expressing concerns about the plan and also about the Garda protection post located at Champions Avenue in Dublin, near Patrick Hutch’s home.
Det Gallagher told Mr Gillane that Capper expressed a reluctance to carry out the murder on February 28, 2018 and said he wanted more time.
Mr Burns is heard telling Capper, “I don’t think you are up for this pal, I genuinely don’t”.
The original plan was scuppered because of Storm Emma and the attempted murder was postponed until March 10, 2018, the court heard.
Counsel for the Defence Mr Clarke told the court that Capper poured cold water on the plan and Det Gallagher agreed that the defendant had challenged the plan.
Det Gallagher also agreed that he expressed concerns about feeling it was a bit rushed.
Mr Clarke said another member of the gang referred to Mr Capper as an “eejit”.
Capper pulled out of the attempted murder plans three days before the plot was foiled by gardaí, who swooped on the gang on March 10, 2018.