Kinahan cartel hitman arrested in Spain on Irish warrant over murder probe
A senior Kinahan cartel associate linked to the Kinahan-Hutch feud has been arrested in Spain on a European Arrest Warrant issued by Irish courts.
Kinahan associate detained in Spain amid Irish and Spanish murder investigations
A senior associate of the Kinahan cartel has been arrested in Spain this week, irishmirror.ie reports, following the execution of a European Arrest Warrant issued by the Irish courts and in connection with a separate Spanish-led murder investigation.
The man, who is linked to the late gangster Martin 'Marlo' Hyland and once played a significant role in the Kinahan-Hutch feud, has been residing in Spain for several years. He has connections to Kinahan cartel figure Daniel Kinahan and a number of senior lieutenants within the organisation.
He and a second associate are also under investigation in relation to the disappearance and suspected murder of the brother of an Irish footballer. The footballer's brother, who is also connected to the Kinahan cartel, vanished from the Marbella area of Spain in June, with his family fearing he was killed by a criminal gang.
Spanish authorities made the arrest first, after which the Irish warrant was also executed. The man remains in Spanish custody whilst the murder investigation continues.
"The Spanish investigation takes priority at the moment," a source told irishmirror.ie. "But the Irish warrant was also executed."
An Garda Síochána confirmed its awareness of the development in a statement. "An Garda Síochána is aware of the execution in Spain of a European Arrest Warrant issued by the Irish courts, on an Irish National, a male aged in his 30s. This currently is a matter for the Spanish authorities."
The arrested man was previously associated in connection with the murder of Eddie Hutch in February 2016. In more recent years, he is said to have operated independently and become deeply involved in criminal activity within Spain. He was arrested and released earlier this year over firearms-related threats.
Sources indicate he is wanted in Ireland in connection with a serious assault, and the arrest warrant has been active for some time. Gardaí are understood to be prepared to wait for the outcome of the Spanish investigation before pursuing extradition proceedings.
Source: Irish Independent