The United Arab Emirates has frozen assets belonging to the Kinahan crime gang, a move praised by Irish authorities as a significant step in dismantling the organised crime group. The UAE's action aligns with its national framework and international commitments to combat crime, according to a statement from the Emirati authorities.
The Irish-based cartel, which the US Treasury says uses Dubai as a hub for illegal activities, has been subject to US sanctions since April, when seven senior members were targeted. Among those sanctioned are Daniel Kinahan, 44, described in Irish courts as the head of one of Europe's most prominent drug gangs, his father Christopher Snr, 65, and brother Christopher Jnr, 41.
US authorities have offered a $5m (£3.84m) reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the gang's leaders. The Kinahan cartel emerged in Dublin in the 1990s and is considered one of the world's largest crime groups, with operations in Ireland, the UK, Spain, and the UAE, involved in drug trafficking and money laundering.
Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin called the asset freeze "very welcome news," stating that "crime does not pay" and highlighting the power of international cooperation. Justice Minister Helen McEntee said the move showed the swift impact of sanctions announced last week, adding that "the net is now clearly tightening on the Kinahan organised crime group."
An Garda Síochána (Irish police) confirmed it continues to work with international partners to dismantle the gang, noting that the recent announcements have generated additional avenues to pursue. The development comes as boxing promotion company MTK Global, co-founded by Daniel Kinahan, announced it will close down.
