CATCHING CARTEL IS A DAN DEAL...
Dubai and Europol cops agree historic pact
GANG BOSS: Mr Flashy
THE Kinahan cartel has been dealt another hammer blow after the gulf state it’s holed up in struck a deal with European cops — including gardai.
Sources told The Star that the agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Europol increases the likelihood of mobsters facing justice in Ireland.
With a number of senior gang members hiding in Dubai, one source said last night: “It is a game changer.”
Bounty
Reports suggested boss Daniel Kinahan (45) fled Dubai after the US placed a $5 million bounty on his head – but gardai have intelligence he is still in the area. Other members of his cartel are still in the emirate – and gardai believe the deal will persuade Dubai to expel them. Under the deal, a senior UAE cop will be based at Europol’s HQ in the Hague and will share intelligence.
Europol boss Catherine De Bolle, who signed the deal with Lieutenant General Saif Bin Zayed al Nahyan, said: “The UAE is a key security partner in the fight against the most pressing criminal threats.
“I welcome this agreement which will mark a new level of cooperation in international policing by connecting Emirati law enforcement with their counterparts in all of Europe’s Member States.
“We are sending together a clear signal to criminals.”
The deal comes just days after The Star exclusively revealed Government officials are in secret talks with Dubai authorities to get Kinahan cartel leader Sean McGovern sent home to stand trial in Ireland.
Diplomats and senior officials in the Department of Justice have been lobbying authorities to kick out the 36-yearold Dubliner despite the absence of an extradition deal between UAE and Ireland.
Murder
The Director of Public Prosecutions has already ordered McGovern be charged with murder – and another of directing an organised criminal gang.
Secret negotiations have been under way for almost a year, and government officials are increasingly confident he will soon be on a flight back to Dublin – and justice. Gardai have been directed to charge McGovern, described as a close confidant of and advisor to Daniel Kinahan, with a murder connected to its feud with the Hutch gang, a war that has now left 18 men dead.
He is to be charged over the murder of Noel Kirwan (62) who was shot dead outside his home in Clondalkin, West Dublin, just before Christmas 2016.
It is believed Kirwan, who was from the north inner city, was targeted because he was seen driving Gerry “The Monk” Hutch from the funeral of his brother Eddie in February 2016.
Eddie, who was 58, was gunned down in his central Dublin home three days after the notorious attack on The Regency Airport Hotel.
That was an audacious attempt to take out Kinahan. While he escaped the assassins, his enforcer David Byrne was shot dead.
Plot
As well as the Kirwan murder, sources say McGovern is also to be charged over a foiled plot to murder Patsy Hutch – another brother of the Monk.
Patsy has survived several murder bids since the feud erupted – and the State alleges McGovern directed one of them.
If sent home and convicted, McGovern faces life sentences for both offences.
As well as McGovern, several other Kinahan bosses who are not one of the seven hit with sanctions by US authorities in April are known to be in Dubai.
They include several killers as well as men high up the chain of command in the organisation.
Daniel’s brother Christopher (41) and his 64-year-old father Christy are also believed to be in the Middle East.
There are also $5 million rewards on offer for their arrest and conviction.