Kinahan gang: Encrypted texts key evidence against 'senior lieutenant'

Encrypted texts and tracker devices seized by Gardaí (Irish police) are key in the Republic of Ireland's evidence against a senior figure in the international Kinahan crime gang. A court in Dublin heard Sean McGovern was a "senior lieutenant operating on the ground in Ireland" for the crime group. How the state deals with McGovern's case is a likely indicator as to how it will treat alleged crime boss Daniel Kinahan's case, who is facing extradition from Dubai after his recent arrest. The US government imposed sanctions on Kinahan in April 2022 after he and other members of his family were identified as leaders of the Kinahan organised crime cartel. McGovern, who was also living in Dubai, had previously been extradited back to Ireland. McGovern has pleaded guilty to two charges - directing the activities of a criminal organisation between 20 October 2016 and 20 December 2016 in connection with the murder of Noel Kirwan. And directing the activities of a criminal organisation between 17 October 2015 and 6 April 2017 in relation to the surveillance of rival Hutch gang member James Gately in preparation for a serious offence. McGovern's case is being dealt with in the Special Criminal