Encrypted texts and tracker devices central to case against Kinahan gang lieutenant
Encrypted texts and tracking devices seized by Gardaí (Irish police) constitute crucial evidence in the Republic of Ireland's case against Sean McGovern, identified as a senior figure within the international Kinahan crime gang.
A Dublin court was informed that McGovern acted as a "senior lieutenant operating on the ground in Ireland" for the criminal organisation.
The manner in which the State handles McGovern's case is expected to provide insight into its approach to the case of alleged crime boss Daniel Kinahan, who is currently facing extradition from Dubai following his recent arrest.
The United States government imposed sanctions on Kinahan in April 2022, designating him and other family members as leaders of the Kinahan organised crime cartel.
McGovern, who had also been residing in Dubai, was previously extradited back to Ireland.
He 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 related to the surveillance of rival Hutch gang member James Gately in preparation for a serious offence.
McGovern's case is being heard in the Special Criminal Court in Dublin, a three-judge court that operates without a jury.
The court was presented with details of how two men were targeted by the Kinahan organised crime group: James 'Mago' Gately, because he carried the coffin of Gary Hutch at his funeral, and Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan, because he attended the funeral of Eddie Hutch.
Detective Garda Superintendent David Gallagher outlined the encrypted messages obtained by Gardaí, which illustrated how the Hutch-Kinahan conflict escalated following a shooting at the Regency Hotel in Dublin in 2016, during which McGovern himself was shot.
In presenting evidence related to the surveillance of Gately, six strands of evidence were detailed, including telephone data, GPS tracking devices, and CCTV footage collected by Gardaí.
Encrypted texts
Encrypted devices were also part of the evidence, with Gardaí having seized three such devices from McGovern.
Criminals used code names to communicate on these encrypted devices, with McGovern referred to as 'Knife'.
"All weasels get caught in the end"
This text was among those sent by McGovern, who also shared tracker information on Gately with associates.
Encrypted messages from Imre Arakas to an unidentified senior Kinahan organised crime group member revealed discussions on optimal locations to target Gately.
Arakas's texts included:
"silencer would be good"
"if picture on Google is the same as in real life it could be one shot to the head and that's it"
Arakas was arrested by Gardaí and was unable to execute the planned attack. He was subsequently jailed for conspiring to kill Gately.
McGovern later discussed with an associate who the "rat" might be in the plan that was disrupted by Gardaí.
"Me and you ain't any rats we are the ones up to our bollox [sic] in it"
On another occasion, an associate messaged McGovern stating they would "have mago within two to four weeks," referring to an attack on Gately.
"Best news of the year that will be once everyone is safe"
Following the failed attack, an associate texted:
"We have to change tactics mate"
To which McGovern replied:
"100pc or all going to jail with stitch ups mate"
Witness impact statement
The court also heard evidence from Detective Sergeant Donal Daly, who described tracker evidence recovered from devices placed on the car of Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan.
Det Sgt Daly detailed how Gardaí extracted forensic evidence from a laptop’s screen and keypad used by McGovern, as well as an instruction manual concealed behind a mirror in a safehouse apartment utilised by the Kinahan cartel.
A witness impact statement was read from Donna Kerwin, daughter of Noel Kirwan, who expressed the profound effect of her father's murder on the family.
"We will have to life with this nightmare every day for the rest of our lives."
"She said her dad was an innocent man who was not involved in crime and the only thing he was guilty of 'was showing his respect at a childhood friend's funeral'."
"You will get out one day to live a normal life with your children. We will never have that."
The sentencing hearing at the Special Criminal Court is scheduled to resume on Friday.
