US Treasury Sanctions Spanish Businesses Linked to Irish Mafia
Several businesses with strong ties to Spain have been included in a US Treasury sanctions list due to their association with Ireland’s top mafia gang. The sanctions target the leaders and key associates of the infamous Kinahan cartel, which was previously based on the Costa del Sol.
Key Figures Named in Sanctions List
The American government has named Christy Kinahan Snr, Daniel Kinahan, Christopher Kinahan Jnr, Bernard Clancy, and John Morrisey, all based in Malaga, in its comprehensive list. The Kinahan family operated from Marbella for years, living in nearby Estepona, and owned a range of businesses including gyms and restaurants.
Downfall Triggered by Gang Feud
Their downfall began following the murder of rival gangster Gary Hutch in Estepona in 2015. This event sparked a violent gang feud with the Hutch mob, resulting in a series of shooting murders on the Costa del Sol and in Dublin.
US Government Offers Reward for Information
The US government has now offered a reward of $5 million (€4.5 million) for information leading to the arrest or conviction of the Kinahan cartel leaders. The US ambassador to Ireland, Claire Cronin, stated that the reward would be provided for information leading to the financial disruption of the Kinahans, or the arrest or conviction of the trio.
Key Members and Associates Named
In addition to the three Kinahans, who now reside in Dubai, the authorities have also named Ian Dixon, Sean McGovern, and Bernard Clancy as key members of the gang and associated businesses. Surprisingly, John ‘Johnny’ Morrissey, a well-known Costa del Sol businessman, and his high-profile drinks business Nero Vodka, have also been named as close associates of the Irish gangs.
Implications of the Sanctions
The sanctions mean that Morrissey and his partner Nicola, who is the face and owner of his drinks business, face the same economic sanctions as the gang bosses. The Nero Drinks Company Ltd, Hoopoe Sports, and Ducashew Trading are among the companies that face sanctions. The sanctions require that any US assets held by the named individuals and businesses must be frozen and reported to the US treasury.
Global Impact of the Sanctions
The sanctions extend to non-US citizens who are resident in the US, or just transiting through. This likely means that they will now be blacklisted by most other Western countries, who are expected to follow suit. The US Treasury has even listed the home addresses and passport numbers of all people on the sanctions list, including two addresses for the Kinahans in Marbella and Estepona.
Associates Named in the Sanctions
Apart from Morrissey, other associates named are Irish national Sean McGovern, Ian Dixon, and Bernard Clancy. McGovern is described as Daniel Kinahan’s advisor and closest confidant, Dixon is alleged to be the cartel’s money man, while Clancy is described as a ‘key KOCG lieutenant.
End of the Kinahan-Hutch Feud
The Kinahan-Hutch feud, which started on the streets of the Costa del Sol, moved to Dublin and resulted in the deaths of 18 people, seems to have finally come to an end. Gerry Hutch, the leader of the Hutch gang, was arrested in Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol and extradited to Ireland to face justice.
