Authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have frozen approximately £168 million (equivalent to $212 million) in assets connected to the Kinahan drug cartel. This action comes as cartel leader Daniel Kinahan awaits potential extradition to Ireland.

Kinahan Cartel Under Scrutiny

The Kinahan cartel is notorious for its involvement in cocaine trafficking and money laundering. The organization has faced growing scrutiny as key members have relocated and assets have been targeted by law enforcement.

Relocation and Initial Operations

Daniel Kinahan, 48, and his father, Christy Kinahan, 69 – known as the ‘Dapper Don’ – have been residing in Dubai since 2016. They relocated from Spain’s Costa Del Sol following the 2016 murder of Irish criminal David Byrne, an event that sparked a violent gang war.

Financial Network Disrupted

Over the past decade, the Kinahan cartel has been dominant in the European cocaine trade and has been linked to global arms smuggling and money laundering. Dubai police have identified numerous individuals involved in laundering the cartel’s wealth.

Asset Freezing and Sanctions

Earlier this month, Daniel Kinahan was arrested on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, where he owns a seven-bedroom property with his wife, Caoimhe, 44. He is currently detained in Al Awir prison, known as the ‘Desert Alcatraz,’ facing charges related to organized crime.

The UAE has intensified its crackdown on the cartel following reports of its ties to Iranian intelligence services. Oil tankers linked to Daniel’s associate, MMA fighter Mounir Lazzez, have been sanctioned due to connections with Tehran.

UAE's Stance on Criminal Activity

Hamid Alzaabi, secretary-general of the UAE’s anti-money laundering committee, stated on LinkedIn: “Extensive financial intelligence has been shared, networks disrupted, and assets frozen in connection with the Kinahan Organised Crime Group. There is no safe haven for criminals in the UAE.”

Cartel's Remaining Wealth and Contingency Plans

Intelligence reports suggest the cartel leaders are experiencing cash flow problems and difficulties accessing UAE banking services. While £168 million has been frozen, the Kinahans are estimated to control a fortune of £1.2 billion.

Over £850 million of their capital is believed to be hidden in investment firms, trust funds, and offshore accounts across the US, Asia, Africa, and potentially Hong Kong. The US has imposed sanctions on the Kinahans since 2022, offering rewards of up to $5 million for information leading to their arrests.

Potential Relocation

European intelligence services suspect the group has prepared to relocate, possibly to Indonesia, due to its weak extradition laws and complex legal system.

Extradition and Prosecution

Upon extradition to Ireland, Daniel Kinahan will face trial at Dublin’s Special Criminal Court. The prosecution will present evidence including data recovered from encrypted ‘ghost devices’ used by the cartel to plan murders and attempted assassinations.

These plots include the targeting of Gerry ‘the Monk’ Hutch in the Canary Islands in 2015 and the failed hit on James ‘Mago’ Gately in 2017.