Net is tightening but slippery Kinahans still one step ahead

THE clock is ticking on the Kinahan crime cartel. The extradition of murder suspect Sean McGovern last week from Dubai was a major coup for the gardai and the Government.

- JOHN KIERANS

The courts will decide whether McGovern is innocent or guilty, it is not up to me to decide.

But the bottom line is after years on the run abroad, a key ally of the Kinahan family has been brought home in handcuffs and under armed guard to face the music.

The big picture is what does it mean for the crime family's leaders Christy Snr, Daniel and Christy Jnr.

All three left Ireland more than two decades ago so it will be difficult to link them to any crimes here.

They lived for many years in Marbella on the Costa del Sol and then fled for Dubai almost 10 years ago when the Spanish cops arrested them and started sniffing around their drug running operations.

As soon as they were released because of a lack of clear evidence the Kinahan clan upped sticks and fled the Costa overnight to the gulf, buying plush homes and investing in various legitimate businesses in Dubai. The father and sons are still residing there with their families even though the eyes of gardai and various western intelligence services are on them around the clock.