daniel kinahan - Blog - Gangsters Inc. - www.gangstersinc.org
2024-03-28T11:53:48Z
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Kinahan Irish Mafia clan feels the heat - Key members arrested in Spain
https://gangstersinc.org/blog/kinahan-irish-mafia-clan-feels-the-heat-key-members-arrested-in-s
2023-06-07T13:52:14.000Z
2023-06-07T13:52:14.000Z
Gangsters Inc.
https://gangstersinc.org/members/GangstersInc
<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/11485868287?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p>By David Amoruso for <a href="http://www.gangstersinc.org" target="_blank">Gangsters Inc.</a></p>
<p>The walls are closing in on members of the Irish Kinahan crime group. After the U.S. Department of State offered a $5 million dollar reward for information leading to the capture of its key bosses, authorities around the world are hunting them down. Last week, two members were arrested in Spain.</p>
<p>The Kinahans were founded in Dublin, Ireland, by Christopher “Christy” Kinahan and are currently led by his son Daniel. The group fought a violent war against the rival Hutch gang that saw scores of men dead.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Come at the King…</strong></span></p>
<p>Both groups were splattered across the primetime news in February of 2016. Hutch hitmen decided to take a shot at Daniel Kinahan, the king, who was at the weigh-in for the WBO boxing match for the European Lightweight title between Jamie Kavanagh and Antonio João Bento at the Regency Hotel in Whitehall, Dublin.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>READ: </strong><a href="https://gangstersinc.org/blog/irish-mob-boss-daniel-kinahan-hires-a-special-forces-instructor-t" target="_blank"><strong>Irish mob boss Daniel Kinahan hires a Special Forces instructor to teach his crew evasive maneuvers and shooting skills</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p>Despite having the element of surprise, the hitman were unable to locate Kinahan. Still, they killed an associate of the Kinahans; David Byrne.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Arrested in Spain</strong></span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.gangstersinc.org" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11485870294,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11485870294?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="350" /></a>David’s older brother Liam (right) was one of the two Kinahan members arrested last week. 42-year-old Byrne is believed to be one of the most trusted figures within the Kinahan organization. He had flown into Palma Airport in Mallorca, Spain, from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on May 26. He was arrested on Sunday evening in the Alcudia area of Mallorca while eating in a restaurant with family members.</p>
<p>Another suspected member of the crime group, 22-year-old Jack Kavanagh, was arrested by officers from the Spanish National Police on May 30 at Malaga Airport while transiting from Dubai to Turkey.</p>
<p>Both men were wanted by Britain’s National Crime Agency on suspicion of firearms offences. Decrypted text messages showed they were believed to be involved in the supply and acquisition of guns.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>European Super Cartel, sportswashing with MTK Global</strong></span></p>
<p>As the two men flew into Spain from Dubai it is clear they were part of an international criminal organization. With roots in Dublin, Ireland, the Kinahans grew into a European powerhouse. They went into business with the Italian Mafia, the Moroccans in the Netherlands, and crime bosses in Bosnia. Some authorities called the partnership the formation of a <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/blog/super-cartel-controlled-one-third-of-cocaine-trade-in-europe-take" target="_blank">European super cartel</a>. The DEA listed them among the 50 most powerful cartels in the world.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>READ: </strong><a href="https://gangstersinc.org/blog/super-cartel-controlled-one-third-of-cocaine-trade-in-europe-take" target="_blank"><strong>Super cartel controlled one third of cocaine trade in Europe – Taken down in six countries</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p>Daniel Kinahan moved his headquarters around from Dublin to Spain on to Dubai all the while trying to put up a legitimate front. He got involved in the world of boxing and founded what became known as MTK Global, a boxing and mixed martial arts management and event promotions company.</p>
<p>Despite accusations of sportswashing – using sports to freshen up his dirty image – Kinahan had a lot of success. He signed fighters such as champion Tyson Fury and UFC fighter Darren Till. After the Regency shooting he took a step back and later claimed to have cut ties with the company, though investigators frequently showed this was not as true as he claimed.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.gangstersinc.org" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11485873483,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11485873483?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><em><strong>Photo: Daniel Kinahan.</strong> </em></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Most Wanted</strong></span></p>
<p>Kinahan’s charade held up, though. Until April 2022, when the U.S. Department of State announced the <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/blog/irish-kinahan-cartel-sanctioned-by-u-s-treasury-dea-offers-5-mill" target="_blank">offering of rewards</a> of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of the Kinahan crime group’s leading figures, including Daniel and Christy.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>READ: </strong><a href="https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/smirking-and-laughing-as-his-victims-died-violent-deaths-profile" target="_blank"><strong>Smirking and laughing as his victims died violent deaths - Profile: Irish mob hitman “Fat Freddie” Thompson</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p>This placed a big bull’s eye on the group with law enforcement agencies throughout the world keen to take them down. But after decades of trafficking tons of drugs into Europe, the Kinahans had become exceptionally wealthy and influential. They had made a lot of friends in high places as well.</p>
<p>So, they remain at large. Despite the $5 million reward and the immense heat from investigators. From an unknown location, they continue running their business. Cocaine flows one way, money the other. Until the money runs dry, the Kinahans will find a place to stay. For how long remains the question. You never know when you’ve outstayed your welcome.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Back to the <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/europe-overview">European organized crime section</a> on Gangsters Inc.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Check out the latest news on organized crime and the Mafia at our <a href="https://gangstersinc.ning.com/blog/list/tag/news">news section</a></strong></li>
<li><strong>Check out our <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/blog/gangsters-inc-on-social-media">social media channels</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/about-gangsters-inc">About Gangsters Inc.</a></strong></li>
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<p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p></div>
WATCH | How One of Europe's Deadliest Drug Gangs Infiltrated World Boxing
https://gangstersinc.org/blog/watch-how-one-of-europe-s-deadliest-drug-gangs-infiltrated-world
2023-05-09T08:30:00.000Z
2023-05-09T08:30:00.000Z
Gangsters Inc.
https://gangstersinc.org/members/GangstersInc
<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/11073627485?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p>By VICE</p>
<p><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap">How does a mob boss become an international renowned boxing magnate? In The Business of Crime, VICE World News looks at different parts of the criminal economy, separating fact from myth. In this episode, we explore how the feared Kinahan cartel became influential in the world of boxing - and why their attempts at sportswashing may yet lead to their downfall. </span></p>
<p><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap"><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kNxEsAZL73U" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></span></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Back to the <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/europe-overview">European organized crime section</a> on Gangsters Inc.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Check out the latest news on organized crime and the Mafia at our <a href="https://gangstersinc.ning.com/blog/list/tag/news">news section</a></strong></li>
<li><strong>Check out our <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/blog/gangsters-inc-on-social-media">social media channels</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/about-gangsters-inc">About Gangsters Inc.</a></strong></li>
</ul></div>
Irish Kinahan Cartel sanctioned by U.S. Treasury – DEA offers $5 million bounty for arrest of bosses
https://gangstersinc.org/blog/irish-kinahan-cartel-sanctioned-by-u-s-treasury-dea-offers-5-mill
2022-04-12T15:31:47.000Z
2022-04-12T15:31:47.000Z
Gangsters Inc.
https://gangstersinc.org/members/GangstersInc
<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10359758286?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p>By David Amoruso for <a href="http://www.gangstersinc.org" target="_blank">Gangsters Inc.</a></p>
<p>One very specific Irish crime group hit the big time yesterday. The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control placed serious sanctions on the so-called Kinahan Cartel from Dublin, Ireland, and its top bosses. The Irish gang is now found on the same list as the Sinaloa Cartel and Japanese Yakuza. To top it off, the DEA put up a $5 million bounty to bring the Kinahans down.</p>
<p>The Kinahan Cartel has its origins and base in Ireland, but also operates in the United Kingdom, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates. It emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s as the most powerful organized crime group operating in Ireland. Since then, Irish courts have concluded that the Kinahan Cartel is a murderous organization involved in the international trafficking of drugs and firearms.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Father and sons</strong></span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.gangstersinc.org" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10359714688,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10359714688?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="181" height="201" /></a>The group is named after its founding member and longtime leader Christopher “Christy” Kinahan Senior (right), who has served prison sentences in Ireland, the Netherlands, and Belgium for dealing heroin, possessing cocaine and laundering money.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>READ: </strong><a href="https://gangstersinc.org/blog/irish-mob-boss-daniel-kinahan-hires-a-special-forces-instructor-t" target="_blank"><strong>Irish mob boss Daniel Kinahan hires a Special Forces instructor to teach his crew evasive maneuvers and shooting skills</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.gangstersinc.org" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10359722054,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10359722054?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="143" height="169" /></a>He has stepped down in recent years to make room for his son Daniel (shown above with boxing promotor Bob Arum), who is believed to run the day-to-day operations of the organization. He allegedly is assisted by his brother, Christopher Junior (left).</p>
<p>The entire family is currently based in Dubai, the luxurious desert city in the United Arab Emirates, from where they run their operations. Daniel Kinahan makes sure that money is sent to a variety of individuals serving prison sentences, including people convicted of murder and attempted murder on behalf of the Kinahans.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Alliance with Camorra and European groups</strong></span></p>
<p>According to authorities, Daniel Kinahan sources large quantities of cocaine from South America, plays an integral part in organizing the supply of drugs in Ireland, and is attempting to facilitate the importation of cocaine into the United Kingdom.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>READ: </strong><a href="https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/smirking-and-laughing-as-his-victims-died-violent-deaths-profile" target="_blank"><strong>Smirking and laughing as his victims died violent deaths - Profile: Irish mob hitman “Fat Freddie” Thompson</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p>He works closely with other crime groups like the <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/camorra-overview" target="_blank">Italian Camorra</a>, the <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/profile-of-moroccan-drug-boss-ridouan-taghi-he-who-talks-goes-and" target="_blank">Moroccan-Dutch mob</a>, and a Bosnian gang. Matter of fact, these organizations also operated out of Dubai and its leaders lived there and enjoyed social outings together. One such get-together was Daniel Kinahan’s lavish wedding at the exclusive Burj al Arab hotel where the average price of a room is $24,000 per night.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.gangstersinc.org" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10359730297,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10359730297?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="223" /></a>In Dubai, Daniel Kinahan (right) is working hard to clean up his image, putting himself out there as a boxing promotor and manager.</p>
<p>While his sons manage the drug trafficking operations, Christopher Sr. oversees the property portions of the enterprise. He has registered a number of companies under aliases or using abbreviations of his name.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Business disrupted</strong></span></p>
<p>This legitimate part of their empire will be hit by these sanctions. “All property and interests in property of the designated individuals or entities that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons must be blocked and reported.”</p>
<p>That will cause the group quite some issues as they try to go about their business as usual. Anyone looking to do a legit deal with them might open him or herself up to a criminal investigation or worse. </p>
<ul>
<li><strong>READ: </strong><a href="https://gangstersinc.org/blog/irish-mob-boss-bomber-kavanagh-was-kinahan-cartel-s-man-in-united" target="_blank"><strong>Irish mob boss “Bomber” Kavanagh was “Kinahan Cartel’s man in United Kingdom” – Jailed for 21 years</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p>Several associates of the Kinahan’s were also placed on the sanctions list. They include Irish national Sean McGovern, currently based in Dubai, who is Daniel Kinahan’s advisor and closest confidant. Evidence indicates that all dealings with Kinahan go through him. McGovern also has managed communications on behalf of Kinahan, and he sells multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine.</p>
<p>Irish national Ian Dixon, also based in Dubai, has arranged multiple payments on behalf of Daniel Kinahan, as well as moved bulk currency on behalf of Kinahan in Ireland and the United Kingdom. He also oversees a fund on behalf of Kinahan and keeps track of money owed by a narcotics trafficker. Furthermore, he owns and runs Hoopoe Sports LLC, a sports management and advisory company based in th United Arab Emirates.</p>
<p>Irish national Bernard Clancy, also based in Dubai, is a key Kinahan lieutenant, who, among other duties, is tasked by Daniel Kinahan with providing wages to elements within the organization and payments to others.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>READ: </strong><a href="https://gangstersinc.org/blog/coked-up-europe-increase-in-cocaine-traffic-more-players-and-viol" target="_blank"><strong>Coked Up Europe: Increase in cocaine traffic, more players and violence, but ‘Ndrangheta remains key</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p>Irish national John Morrissey, currently based in Spain, has worked for the Kinahans for several years, including as an enforcer, and facilitates international drug shipments for the organization from South America. He is also involved in money laundering and controls Nero Drinks Company Limited, a UK-based alcoholic beverage company. He outwardly serves as the Nero Drinks’ brand ambassador, is heavily invested in Nero Drinks and has given a significant portion of the business to Daniel Kinahan to compensate for loads of drugs seized by law enforcement. Morrissey controls and operates Nero Drinks through his wife, the primary shareholder, who is used as a frontperson for his interests.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>$5 million bounty</strong></span></p>
<p>The heat is on. As they rose in power and prominence, the Kinahans managed to evade any serious consequences. They fled to Dubai where they felt safe. Now, authorities are trying to exert some pressure.</p>
<p>The DEA has offered rewards of up to $5 million dollars for information leading to the arrest of any of the three Kinahans.</p>
<p>At some point, the United Arab Emirates will figure having the Kinahans around is bad for the country's reputation. When that happens, the Kinahans will have to face justice back home – or elsewhere.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Back to the <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/europe-overview">European organized crime section</a> on Gangsters Inc.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Check out the latest news on organized crime and the Mafia at our <a href="https://gangstersinc.ning.com/blog/list/tag/news">news section</a></strong></li>
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<li><strong><a href="https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/about-gangsters-inc">About Gangsters Inc.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p></div>
Irish mob boss Daniel Kinahan hires a Special Forces instructor to teach his crew evasive maneuvers and shooting skills
https://gangstersinc.org/blog/irish-mob-boss-daniel-kinahan-hires-a-special-forces-instructor-t
2022-03-06T09:20:54.000Z
2022-03-06T09:20:54.000Z
Gangsters Inc.
https://gangstersinc.org/members/GangstersInc
<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10173090857?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p>By David Amoruso for <a href="http://www.gangstersinc.org" target="_blank">Gangsters Inc.</a></p>
<p>Reputed Irish mob boss Daniel Kinahan is a man with many talents. Following in the footsteps of his father Christy, he leads a crime clan in Dublin, Ireland, that has grown into a global drug cartel that pumps tons of cocaine into Europe. Still, he knows his limits. That is why he hired a former member of the British Special Forces to train him and his crew in military tactics.</p>
<p>Kinahan currently resides in Dubai, the luxurious desert city in the United Arab Emirates, which has turned into a safe haven for fugitive criminals and shady characters with lots of money. Though Dubai is flush with billions in oil profits, it isn’t picky about which visitors it welcomes in.</p>
<p>Money buys you a home in Dubai, no matter what your reputation is. Two of Kinahan’s closest associates, drug bosses <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/profile-of-moroccan-drug-boss-ridouan-taghi-he-who-talks-goes-and" target="_blank">Ridouan Taghi</a>, of the Moroccan-Dutch Mafia, and <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/blog/camorra-mafia-boss-raffaele-imperiale-arrested-in-dubai" target="_blank">Raffeale Imperiale</a>, of the Italian <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/camorra-overview" target="_blank">Camorra</a>, also reside there. Before moving to Dubai, Spain was the preferred safe spot in the sun or such men. Of course, weren’t as rich and powerful then as they are now.</p>
<p>A few years ago, before the Kinahan Clan started fighting a gang war against a rival group led by mob boss Gerry Hutch, Kinahan led his organization from Spain. Already familiar with violence back home in Dublin, Kinahan did not feel at ease. He became increasingly paranoid and felt he needed training to make sure he kept himself and his family safe from attackers.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>READ: <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/blog/irish-mob-boss-gerry-the-monk-hutch-arrested-in-spain-charged-wit" target="_blank">Irish mob boss Gerry “The Monk” Hutch arrested in Spain</a> – Charged with brazen hit at boxing weigh-in</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>So, Kinahan hired a former member of the British Special Forces who had set up his own firm offering services in “covert operations.” This man was tasked with organizing shooting practices, martial arts training, and counter surveillance exercises for Kinahan and his men.</p>
<p>According to the book <em>Fat Freddie: A Gangster's Life - The Bloody Career of Freddie Thompson</em> by author Stephen Breen, the commando taught them how to identify when someone was following them via car and how to shake them off. They even began wearing fake beards and hair pieces to disguise their identities. As they say in the spy business: pure tradecraft.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>READ: Smirking and laughing as his victims died violent deaths - </strong><a href="https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/smirking-and-laughing-as-his-victims-died-violent-deaths-profile" target="_blank"><strong>Profile: Irish mob hitman “Fat Freddie” Thompson</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p>Some of the training exercises were actually surveilled by Spanish police who were keeping an eye on the notorious Irish drug lord. They had the phones of Kinahan and his men tapped. But during training, they lost them for a while. The gangsters were using walkie-talkies to remain under the radar as part of the exercise. The Special Forces training had the desired effect.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.gangstersinc.org" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10173091467,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10173091467?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><strong><em>Photo: Daniel Kinahan and boxing champion Tyson Fury</em></strong></p>
<p>Of course, Kinahan and his men had no clue they were being watched at that time. If the whole thing was a real test then they had failed.</p>
<p>Still, his idea was a good one. Years later, his partner-in-crime, Ridouan Taghi, was found by investigators to have a <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/blog/tip-of-the-spear-european-drug-cartel-uses-special-forces-command" target="_blank">highly decorated Dutch commando</a> on his payroll. The man allegedly trained members of his organization. Taghi was already in prison by that point, but authorities were shocked to hear him talk about a prison break with help from some “Navy SEAL type men”.</p>
<p>Kinahan, meanwhile, is still living happily in Dubai, in freedom. He is involved in the world of boxing and mixed martial arts and frequently takes pictures with various famous fighters, like boxing champion Tyson Fury. Laying low he is not.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Back to the <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/europe-overview">European organized crime section</a> on Gangsters Inc.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Check out the latest news on organized crime and the Mafia at our <a href="https://gangstersinc.ning.com/blog/list/tag/news">news section</a></strong></li>
<li><strong>Check out our <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/blog/gangsters-inc-on-social-media">social media channels</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/about-gangsters-inc">About Gangsters Inc.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Copyright © Gangsters Inc.</strong></p></div>
Tip of the Spear: European drug cartel uses Special Forces commandos in its violent activities
https://gangstersinc.org/blog/tip-of-the-spear-european-drug-cartel-uses-special-forces-command
2022-02-12T18:41:20.000Z
2022-02-12T18:41:20.000Z
Gangsters Inc.
https://gangstersinc.org/members/GangstersInc
<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10095083289?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p>By David Amoruso for <a href="http://www.gangstersinc.org" target="_blank">Gangsters Inc.</a></p>
<p>Drug kingpins are swimming in money. As such, they can buy whatever products and services they want and hire the best people in the business, at any cost. A European drug cartel has frequently enlisted the services of members of the Special Forces, the military elite, to train their personnel. </p>
<p>The drug cartel in question is comprised of a <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/camorra-overview" target="_blank">Camorra clan</a> led by <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/blog/camorra-mafia-boss-raffaele-imperiale-arrested-in-dubai" target="_blank">Raffaele Imperiale</a>, the Irish mob clan allegedly led by father and son Christy and Daniel Kinahan, and the criminal organization led by Moroccan-Dutch drug boss <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/profile-of-moroccan-drug-boss-ridouan-taghi-he-who-talks-goes-and" target="_blank">Ridouan Taghi</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.gangstersinc.org" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10095167674,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10095167674?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="248" /></a>Together they control a significant piece of the cocaine traffic coming into Europe. They defend their slice of the pie with extreme violence. The Kinahan clan is involved in a deadly feud with a rival gang in Dublin, while <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/profile-of-moroccan-drug-boss-ridouan-taghi-he-who-talks-goes-and" target="_blank">Ridouan Taghi</a> (right) has been linked to dozens of murders throughout Europe and North Africa as he battles for supremacy in the Dutch underworld.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>READ: </strong><a href="https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/los-castanas-two-brothers-and-spain-s-most-notorious-drug-cartel" target="_blank"><strong>Los Castañas: Two brothers and Spain’s most notorious drug cartel</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p>With money pouring in and an eagerness to murder enemies at the drop of a dime, it was to be expected these men would seek the expertise of those trained to kill with calculated precision whenever they are called upon: members of the elite Special Forces.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>HALO jump in Afghanistan</strong></span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.gangstersinc.org" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10095160701,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10095160701?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="300" /></a>On Thursday, Dutch newspaper <a href="https://www.telegraaf.nl/nieuws/1895440877/commando-bij-mocro-maffia-elitemilitair-42-verdacht-van-drugs-en-wapenhandel" target="_blank">De Telegraaf reported</a> how <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/profile-of-moroccan-drug-boss-ridouan-taghi-he-who-talks-goes-and" target="_blank">Ridouan Taghi</a>’s group allegedly employed a Dutch Special Forces commando to give some of his men weapons training. The 42-year-old sergeant major in the Dutch army (right) has an excellent reputation among his peers and is considered to be the best of his unit, which is among the tip of the spear of the Dutch Special Forces.</p>
<p>Police found out about the commando when they were investigating Moroccan-Dutch crime boss Ridouan Taghi, who is currently behind bars in the Netherlands. It was a huge shock since Taghi had been caught on a wiretap talking about escaping prison with the help of “Navy SEAL type guys”. Was this man part of that alleged group? We do not know.</p>
<p>In his 20 years as a commando, he did tours in Lebanon, Ivory Coast, and Afghanistan. He was one of nine Dutch commandos to do a HALO jump in Afghanistan in 2009, which was followed by three days of intense fighting, <a href="https://www.telegraaf.nl/nieuws/1895440877/commando-bij-mocro-maffia-elitemilitair-42-verdacht-van-drugs-en-wapenhandel" target="_blank">De Telegraaf reports</a>.</p>
<p>Despite his stellar record, his life wasn’t perfect. At one point he got into an argument with his ex-wife. When police arrived he began fighting with them. His subsequent arrest was squashed because of his service, but it was a sign that his life might not be going in the right direction.</p>
<p>Prosecutors claim the sergeant major gave weapons training to criminals in the South American country of Suriname. Dutch Special Forces frequently do jungle training there and the sergeant major is among those men tasked with setting up these training trips. He has a lot of local contacts.</p>
<p>The sergeant major has been charged with conspiracy to import cocaine, stealing military property, weapons trafficking, and illegal possession of a firearm.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Irish mob learning evasive maneuvers and shooting skills</strong></span></p>
<p>Taghi is a close associate of alleged drug boss Daniel Kinahan, who leads a crime clan in Dublin, Ireland. Kinahan currently resides in Dubai. The same place where both Taghi and <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/italian-police-bust-drug-trafficking-camorra-clan-and-retrieve-st" target="_blank">Imperiale</a> lived in luxury before their arrests.</p>
<p>A few years ago, before the Kinahan Clan started fighting a gang war against a rival group led by mob boss <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/blog/irish-mob-boss-gerry-the-monk-hutch-arrested-in-spain-charged-wit" target="_blank">Gerry Hutch</a>, Kinahan led his organization from Spain. Already familiar with violence back home in Dublin, Kinahan did not feel at ease. He became increasingly paranoid and felt he needed training to make sure he kept himself and his family safe from attackers.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>READ: <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/blog/irish-mob-boss-gerry-the-monk-hutch-arrested-in-spain-charged-wit" target="_blank">Irish mob boss Gerry “The Monk” Hutch arrested in Spain</a> – Charged with brazen hit at boxing weigh-in</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>So, Kinahan hired a former member of the British Special Forces who had set up his own firm offering services in “covert operations.” This man was tasked with organizing shooting practices, martial arts training, and counter surveillance exercises for Kinahan and his men.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.gangstersinc.org" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10095168474,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10095168474?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="500" /></a><em><strong>Photo: Daniel Kinahan</strong></em></p>
<p>According to the book <em>Fat Freddie: A Gangster's Life - The Bloody Career of Freddie Thompson</em> by author Stephen Breen, the commando taught them how to identify when someone was following them via car and how to shake them off. They even began wearing fake beards and hair pieces to disguise their identities. As they say in the spy business: pure tradecraft.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>READ: Smirking and laughing as his victims died violent deaths - </strong><a href="https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/smirking-and-laughing-as-his-victims-died-violent-deaths-profile" target="_blank"><strong>Profile: Irish mob hitman “Fat Freddie” Thompson</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p>Some of the training exercises were actually surveilled by Spanish police who were keeping an eye on the notorious Irish drug lord. They had the phones of Kinahan and his men tapped. But during training, they lost them for a while. The gangsters were using walkie-talkies to remain under the radar as part of the exercise. The Special Forces training had the desired effect.</p>
<p>Of course, Kinahan and his men had no clue they were being watched at that time. If the whole thing was a real test then they had failed.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Murderous expertise for sale</strong></span></p>
<p>After September 11, 2001, many nations partook in the war on terror. Tens of thousands put their training to the ultimate test in Afghanistan, Iraq or other nations in the Middle East and Africa. Most did so out of love for their country and democracy. But some felt the pay was a bit meager. Upon leaving the military, many of these men went into business for themselves.</p>
<p>Some put their own ass on the line as mercenary. Just like Peter McAleese, a former member of Britain’s Special Air Service, better known as the SAS, did in the 1980s. He was hired by the infamous Cali Cartel to <a href="https://gangstersinc.org/profiles/blogs/watch-former-sas-commando-was-hired-by-cali-cartel-to-assassinate" target="_blank">assassinate drug lord Pablo Escobar</a>. He failed, but it is an example of how cartels eagerly pay huge sums to get the best of the best to provide them with the service they need.</p>
<p>Sharing their expertise is a great business model, but when former Special Forces commandos share it with groups operating outside the rule of law, it is a deadly disaster waiting to happen. They might get offered big bucks, but it will never cover what it will cost.</p>
<p>In one instant they will ruin their hard-earned reputation, going from elite commando to common criminal.</p>
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