Latest news with #AngelaWillis
Sunday World
06-07-2025
- Sunday World
Hezbollah funded record €157m Cork coke haul on MV Matthew
Kinahans collaborated with Islamic group to organise botched smuggling bid Dramatic footage of the major operation involving the Army Rangers, Customs, Gardaí, and the Navy was released on Saturday showing how they successfully boarded and captured the drugs ship as part of a joint operation. A record 2.2 tonnes of cocaine, worth around €157m, was seized on the ship off the coast of Cork after the dramatic operation which saw Army Rangers abseil onto the vessel after a Navy warship fired warning shots and gave pursuit off the coast southwest Ireland in September 2023. Drugs found on the MV Matthew Garda Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis confirmed yesterday that the Kinahan Organised Crime Group were being investigated in relation to the seizure. 'It would be reasonable to assume they would be one of a number of organised crime groups that would be involved in something of this nature.' Sources said the Kinahans are believed to have worked with multiple organised crimes groups, including a Scottish-based mob, European gangs, Iranian criminals and even terror organisation Hezbollah in organising the drugs shipment which was sourced from Clan de Golfo drug cartel in Colombia. Two Iranian men convicted this week over the haul are understood to have links to Hezbollah and the court was told there was a 'major Iranian nexus' to the operation. Sources also said there were indications of links between criminals involved in the plot and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a feared branch of the Iranian army. Officials refused to comment on any involvement of terror groups or state actors at a press conference in Haulbowline Naval Base in Cork on Saturday. While the Kinahan Cartel's Irish arm has taken major blows, it still operates on a global level and has made new alliances in recent years. Gang boss Daniel Kinahan David Caunter, director of Interpol's emerging crime directorate, told the Sunday World that the Kinahans were in the top tier of organised crime groups on Interpol's radar. 'I would say they are a top criminal organisation at the top level.' He said that he believes the heads of the cartel will be brought to justice. 'I think the arrest of Sean McGovern and extradition back here sends a clear message to organised crime that the reach extends across borders.' Asked if he felt Daniel Kinahan and other top players would eventually face justice, he said he was 'optimistic'. He added that the so-called super-cartel – which involved the Kinahans, the Balkan Tito and Dino Clan, Italian mafia boss Raffaele Imperiale and Dutch Moroccan trafficker, Ridouan Taghi – has now evolved after numerous senior figures were arrested and new alliances were formed globally. 'I think it continues to evolve. These cartels are very resilient. They are looking for new ways to get their drugs to market. It's changing. Drugs found on the MV Matthew 'They are looking to develop partnerships in parts of the world where they hadn't necessarily developed these partnerships before… that global connection is quite strong. 'The local traffickers may not understand that they are just a piece of this larger transnational global crime picture.' Read more 'We know that especially in the Middle East we have seen some connections down in South America between these organised crime groups and this case shows there are strong linkages.' He said that nowhere was safe for organised crime groups such as the Kinahans and their international partners. 'We will find you and bring you to justice,' he warned. He said he could not comment on any potential Hezbollah links but added: 'You do see how drug trafficking has become a national security issue. These criminal groups are quite strong and have unlimited resources. With that you're going to see that blending between various actors.' Busted: Soheil Jelveh (52) Busted: Cumali Ozgen (50) Busted: Vitaliy Vlasoi (33) He said Ireland was an obvious entry point into Europe to smuggle drugs because it is an island with a lot of coastline. Attempts to smuggle drugs by sea into Ireland escalated in recent years after clampdowns in European ports used by smugglers in the Netherlands and other jurisdictions. Gangs, including the Kinahans, have now turned their focus towards west Africa as an entry point smuggling route for drugs destined for Europe. Assistant Commissioner Willis said people like those sentenced this week were dispensable to cartels. 'Transnational organised crime gangs know no borders; they prey on people's vulnerability for their own financial gain. People are expendable who are no longer of use to the criminal organisation. Life is cheap and protecting their core criminal interest which is money is key priority.' She said anyone who consumes drugs is funding these criminal organisations and 'directly linked to the misery and suffering' those gangs inflict on communities. While the haul was organised in the Kinahans' current base in the UAE, gardaí have also identified Irish-based criminals as part of further investigations following the seizure. 'The next phase of the operation is to look at the peripheral involvement of other people here in Ireland and abroad, and that phase has now commenced and that will also include looking at asset recovery of those people.' Busted: Harold Estoesta (31) Busted: Saeid Hassani (39) The dramatic video of the joint operation to take down the MV Matthew included messages and voice notes from a United Arab Emirates criminal with links to Hezbollah describing himself as Captain Noah, who was urging the crew not to panic even after authorities have engaged with them. However, he later said he was close to a 'heart attack' as the Navy gave pursuit and eventually ordered the crew to burn the drugs when he realised they were going to be stormed. Assistant Commissioner Willis said authorities believe Captain Noah is still alive and operating in the Middle East. Members of Army Ranger Wing stormed and captured the vessel in less than 10 minutes and the Irish Naval Service fired warning shots after the vessel failed to stop and tried to sail away destined for Sierra Leone. On Friday, eight men received prison sentences combing 129 years in relation to the seizure. Six men pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine for sale or supply on board the MV Matthew between September 24 and 26 2023. Dutch national Cumali Ozgen (49), who was described as the 'eyes and ears of the criminal organisation' on board the vessel, received a sentence of 20 years, while the second officer, Filipino Harold Estoesta (31) received a sentence of 18 years. The captain of the vessel, Iranian Soheil Jelveh (51) received 17-and-a-half years in prison. Ukrainian nationals Vitaliy Vlasoi (33) received a 16-and-a-half-year sentence and Mykhailo Gavryk (32) received 14 years' imprisonment. Irish Army Rangers abseiling down to the MV Matthew before seizing the ship Footage as eight men jailed for involvement in Ireland's largest drugs haul Saeid Hassani (40), who was the third officer, received a 15-year sentence. Two other men, who were on the boat, the Castlemore , that had been purchased in Castletownbere to collect drugs from the main vessel, were also sentenced for attempting to possess cocaine for sale or supply. Ukrainian national Vitaliy Lapa (62), with an address at Rudenka, Repina Str in Berdyansk, received a sentence of 14-and-a-half years. Jamie Harbron (31), of South Avenue, Billingham in the UK, received a sentence of 13-and-a-half years in prison. The company who bought the MV Matthew cargo ship set up a website just six weeks before the seizure, with servers based in the United Arab Emirates boasting how their 'extensive network of partners and port authorities allow us to efficiently navigate through various regions'. Busted: Jamie Harbron (31) Busted: Vitaliy Lapa (62) The ship, which flew under the Panama flag, was purchased by the newly formed company Matthew Maritime just six weeks before the seizure. It was called the MV Honmon before its name was changed to the MV Matthew while it was travelling through the Caribbean from Aruba to Willemstad in Curaçao. Matthew Maritime is headquartered in the Marshall Islands in the central Pacific Ocean and shares an address with several shipping companies who have been placed under international sanctions for a variety of reasons. Matthew Maritime claimed that the company has carried out 1,000 deliveries on 1,216 voyages to 100 international ports despite the fact the company itself was only set up in July. The MV Matthew is also the only ship that Matthew Maritime owned and it had not made 1,216 voyages. The website for Matthew Maritime was also only set up in July 2023 and remains online makes various claims about the firm which do not seem to match up with a company with one ship that was only set up a few months previously. They describe the company as having 'a strong industry legacy and a worldwide presence'. 'We specialize in managing bulk carrier vessels with precision and expertise, ensuring the smooth and secure transportation of dry cargo across the globe. 'Our unwavering dedication to quality, environmental stewardship, and advanced technology distinguishes us as the go-to choice for clients seeking seamless shipping solutions and profitable ventures in the maritime domain. Come aboard as we chart a course towards prosperity and sustainability together.' The movements of the MV Matthew in the run-up to the seizure had raised suspicions with various authorities. It travelled through various stops in the Caribbean, including the island of Curaçao, before heading to Georgetown in Guyana in South America. It picked up cargo before sailing across the Atlantic to Morocco and on towards Irish waters. While it initially listed its next destination as Gdansk in Poland this was changed to Belfast mid-journey. Matthew Maritime did not make any attempt to claim the MV Matthew in the almost two years since it was stormed by the Defence Forces and seized by the State. It emerged yesterday that a potential buyer has now been found for the vessel.
The Irish Sun
22-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
‘You won't be out of our reach', warns top cops in vow to hunt Irish crime gangs across borders after extradition deal
IRELAND'S extradition treaty with the UAE is 'very significant' in the ongoing fight against organised crime, says a senior Garda officer. Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis - who has responsibility for the Advertisement 5 Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis vowed to hunt Irish crime gangs regardless of where they are based. Credit: Gary Ashe 5 Angela told our Crime Editor Stephen Breen that a number of Irish gangs have an 'international reach' Credit: Gary Ashe But a formal extradition treaty between the two countries was signed on May 18. AC Willis - who has over 34 years policing experience - told how international cooperation was 'essential' to combating Ireland's transnational crime gangs. Advertisement She also revealed how there is a 'significant number' of criminal organisations operating in Ireland with an 'international reach'. They include mobs involved in murder, Other gangs involved in child sexual exploitation, firearms, economic crime and intimidation are also in the sights of the Gardai's Organised and Serious Crime. In recent times, The Family, the Kinahan cartel and The Black Axe gangs are just some of the criminal organisations who have been targeted in major operations. AC Willis said: 'All of the top level Advertisement 'Global criminal networks are operating in unison and impacting very locally in Ireland, causing harm in our communities. 'Organised crime has also become increasingly complex and dynamic over the last few decades and that is why international cooperation is of critical importance in our investigations. Sean McGovern arrives at Dublin court after extradition 'We have seen the value of our 'The extradition treaty with the UAE has strengthened our ability to target those who continue to impact our society, but who are based in the UAE. "The treaty is very significant when it comes to combating organised crime. We had our first ever extradition from the UAE and that shows regardless of where you go you won't be out of our reach.' Advertisement The Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which includes the Garda Serious Crime Review Team and the Garda Extradition Unit, is one of the specialist units under Organised and Serious Crime. LIVE INVESTIGATIONS The GNBCI is currently involved in 39 major live investigations. In 2024, they were involved in assisting other Garda divisions in 24 major investigations that included 15 for murder. The others were for organised crime and serious sexual offences. Just last week, they also provided support to investigators investigating the disappearance of So far this year, they have also investigated 94 incidents of people fraudulently applying for passports. Advertisement 'INTERNATIONAL REACH' AC Willis added: 'There are significant crime gangs in Ireland who have an international reach and it's not just in the drugs area. 'We will continue to pursue all of the top level criminal organisations who have a footprint in other countries. 'Organised and serious crime doesn't know any borders and neither does our response.' 5 Sean McGovern was extradited to Ireland on May 29 Credit: Crispin Rodwell - The Sun Dublin 5 A huge bounty has been put on the head of cartel boss Daniel Kinahan Advertisement 'None of our successes against serious and organised crime groups in recent years would have been possible without the courage, dedication and commitment of the people who make up the bureaus. 'We have strong partnerships with international law enforcement and will continue to pursue those that threaten our communities.' AC Willis also told how international cooperation was 'vital' as part of ongoing efforts to target cyber crime. 'TECH IS EVOLVING' She said: 'International liaison is very important and we are at the forefront of investigations into cyber crime. 'We have already significant outcomes when it comes to the identification of victims and offenders, especially in the area of child exploitation. Advertisement 'Technology is constantly evolving, so we have to evolve our capabilities to ensure we are positioned to respond.' In one cyber crime investigation, Gardai seized €13million in crypto currency and €600,000 worth of luxury goods. AC Willis, who was appointed to the Organised and Serious Crime in October, told of her concerns over ongoing feuds in the capital among 'mid-level' crime gangs. "The treaty is very significant when it comes to combating organised crime. We had our first ever extradition from the UAE and that shows regardless of where you go you won't be out of our reach.' Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis In recent months, there have been shots fired at homes, petrol bomb attacks and assaults in the Bluebell, Ballyfermot and Dolphin House areas of Dublin. Willis said: 'Criminality that impacts communities is a concern and there are crime groups engaged in violence at various levels. While we have seen a significant reduction over recent years in gangland murders, mid-level groups are causing fear in some communities. Advertisement 'This is an area of focus primarily for the Gardai's Dublin Metropolitan Region and all of the divisions, supported by the 'A LOT OF CHAOS' 'Some prominent offenders who were causing a lot of chaos - people who were at the mid-level and not on a national level - are now imprisoned. 'We continue to support our colleagues on investigations and it's a collective effort across the Garda organisation. We have a capacity to target the top level, which we do, and also the mid-level to prevent those groups from increasing their criminal networks.' The Gardai also work closely with Revenue, Customs, the Irish Navy, the Air Corps and the Irish Defence Forces with Willis adding: 'such cooperation and collaboration is key to achieving success.' And across Advertisement The bureaus working under the Gardai's Organised and Serious Crime include The Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB), the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB). 5 Weapons seized by cops
Belfast Telegraph
03-05-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
Two men arrested after gardai seize 3 million euro worth of heroin
It comes amid ongoing investigations targeting transnational and Dublin-based organised crime gangs. Garda members from the Garda National Drugs And Organised Crime Bureau intercepted and searched a vehicle in the Coolock area on Friday. During the search, approximately 21 kilos of suspected heroin was seized. The drugs have been submitted to Forensic Science Ireland for examination. A man, aged in his 30s, was arrested at the scene and another man, aged in his 40s, was detained at a different location following additional enquiries. Both men are being held at a Garda station in north Dublin under the provisions of Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007. Assistant Commissioner for Organised and Serious Crime Angela Willis said: 'The sale and supply of heroin has an especially harmful impact, and not only destroys people's own lives but leaves a lasting effect on entire communities in Ireland and elsewhere. 'Disrupting heroin trafficking remains a central focus of our work and we will continue to target the criminal organisations that operate at a global level with the intention of impacting the lives of ordinary people all over this country.'
The Irish Sun
03-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Two men arrested over €3m heroin seizure as Gardai smash Mr Big's crime gang plot to smuggle smack onto Irish streets
GARDAI have smashed a plot by the crime gang run by 'Mr Big' to smuggle a huge batch of heroin into Ireland. The mob's plans are now in ruin after officers from the 1 Gardai arrested two men and seized around €3m worth of heroin following an operation in Dublin yesterday During the operation, investigators arrested a man from As the investigation continued, Gardai swooped on a home in Dublin and arrested a man from the Both suspects are being held on possession of drugs with intent to supply. They can be held for seven days before being released or charged. READ MORE IRISH NEWS Detectives believe the drugs were destined for the Irish market. Although Gardai suspect the shipment was arranged by a Coolock based gang who work for 'Mr Big'. One source said: 'This is yet another significant seizure of heroin destined for the Irish market. MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN 'Mr Big's associates are heavily involved in organised crime and this is just one strand of their criminal enterprises. 'Thankfully this part of Operation Tara has led to the disruption of their plan to bring heroin on to the streets. 'Mr Big's gang has an international reach and they have been targeted due to their ongoing involvement in the drugs trade.' Gardai confirmed investigations were ongoing. We will continue to target the criminal organisations that operate at a global level with the intention of impacting the lives of ordinary people all over this country." Assistant Commissioner for Organised and Serious Crime, Angela Willis A spokesperson said: 'As part of ongoing investigations targeting transnational and Dublin based organised crime gangs, Gardai have arrested two men and seized €3m worth of heroin. 'Both men are currently detained at a Garda station in north Dublin.' The drugs have been submitted to the Forensic Science Ireland for examination. The huge heroin seizure was welcomed by Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis from the Gardai's Organised and Serious Crime. The senior officer said: 'The sale and supply of heroin has an especially harmful impact and not only destroys people's own lives but leaves a lasting effect on entire communities in Ireland and elsewhere. 'Disrupting heroin trafficking remains a central focus of our work and we will continue to target the criminal organisations that operate at a global level with the intention of impacting the lives of ordinary people all over this country.'
Irish Daily Mirror
03-05-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Gardai smash gang as heroin worth €3m seized and two men arrested
Two men have been arrested after gardai seized approximately €3m worth of heroin following an operation in Dublin on Friday. The operation was part of ongoing investigations targeting transnational and Dublin based organised crime groups. Garda members from the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau intercepted and searched a vehicle in the Coolock area. During this search approximately 21 kilos of suspected heroin (subject to analysis) was seized. The drugs have been submitted to the Forensic Science Ireland for examination. A man, aged in his 30s, was arrested at the scene and another man, aged in his 40s, was arrested at a different location following additional enquiries. Both men are currently detained at a Garda station in north Dublin under the provisions of Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007. Commenting on the operation Assistant Commissioner for Organised and Serious Crime, Angela Willis said: "The sale and supply of heroin has an especially harmful impact, and not only destroys people's own lives but leaves a lasting affect on entire communities in Ireland and elsewhere. "Disrupting heroin trafficking remains a central focus of our work and we will continue to target the criminal organisations that operate at a global level with the intention of impacting the lives of ordinary people all over this country.'
