The Kinahan cartel may be experiencing a decline in influence, but they are far from being finished, according to former Garda Assistant Commissioner Pat Leahy. Despite the guilty pleas of leaders Liam Byrne and Thomas “Bomber” Kavanagh in a firearms conspiracy plot in the UK, Leahy believes that the cartel still poses a threat.
Leahy, who retired in 2020, shared his insights on the current state of the Kinahan cartel, emphasizing that while their influence has waned, they have not disappeared. He pointed out that many key members of the cartel have been arrested, sentenced, and incarcerated, leading to a weakening of their power.
The recent guilty pleas by Byrne and Kavanagh in a firearms conspiracy plot at London’s Old Bailey were a result of the landmark 2020 Encrochat hack, which allowed law enforcement to intercept encrypted communications used by criminal gangs. Kavanagh’s attempt to negotiate a reduced sentence by cooperating with the National Crime Agency backfired, leading to his potential life sentence.
Leahy commended the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, such as Europol and international police forces, in penetrating encrypted networks used by criminal organizations. He highlighted the importance of international cooperation in tackling organized crime and praised the modern style of policing that has evolved in recent years.
While acknowledging the capture of major cartel figures like Byrne and Kavanagh, Leahy cautioned that the criminal world is constantly evolving, with new players ready to take their place. He stressed the importance of not personalizing law enforcement efforts and focusing on disrupting criminal activities regardless of who is involved.
Leahy also emphasized the impact of constant surveillance on criminals, warning that they will no longer feel secure in their communications. The increased monitoring and collaboration among law enforcement agencies are expected to make it more difficult for criminal organizations to operate with impunity.
As new gangs step into the void left by the weakened Kinahan cartel, Leahy reiterated that the name of the gang is not as important as the fact that the vacuum will be filled. He emphasized the need for vigilance and continued cooperation among law enforcement agencies to combat organized crime effectively.
In conclusion, the decline of the Kinahan cartel does not signal the end of organized crime in Ireland. As law enforcement agencies adapt to new challenges and collaborate on an international scale, the fight against criminal organizations continues. The efforts to disrupt criminal activities and dismantle networks must remain steadfast to ensure the safety and security of communities.