Courts / Kildare / Report
Senior figure in Kinahan Cartel named as court hears evidence on gang's command structure
Summary
Sean McGovern, injured in the 2016 Regency Hotel attack, is named in the Special Criminal Court as a senior leader of the Kinahan organised crime group. The court heard sworn testimony on the Kinahan cartel's command structure and activities, and evidence that 33 people linked to the organisation, who were "going to be involved in violence and murder," have been arrested by Gardaí. Detective Superintendent David Gallagher testified that the Kinahan group is driven by monetary gain, primarily through drug trafficking, and enforces control by violence, firearms and murder. He described the organisation as hierarchical, with a core in Dubai and cells in Europe and South America, noting a dramatic fall in violence since 2018. Gallagher confirmed McGovern's leadership role and that he is currently based in Dubai. The hearing also covered the murder of Noel Kirwan, mistakenly targeted by the Kinahans, and the prosecution of Michael Crotty for facilitating that murder. Michael Crotty pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Senior figure in Kinahan Cartel named as court hears evidence on gang's command structure. Charges or matters: the single charge. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- December 21, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 2016 Incident
- October 20, 2016 Other
- December 22, 2016 Other
- 2015 to 2018 Incident
- 2014 and 2015 Incident
- 2024-01-23 Publication
Why: Mr Kirwan, an innocent man who had no involvement in criminality, was shot dead because members of the Kinahan organisation mistakenly thought that he was connected to the Hutch organisation. CNI source report
Case subjects
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Stage Trial Violent Crime
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