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UAE freezes Kinahan assets in latest blow to drug gang

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The United Arab Emirates have frozen the assets of the Kinahan drug cartel amid mounting international pressure against the organisation.

The Gulf state, where crime boss Daniel Kinahan has been living for the past number of years while running MTK Global, said that they were continuing to investigate the cartel alongside Irish, American, English and Spanish authorities.

‘The relevant authorities co-operate closely on cases involving foreign elements, in line with the UAE’s international commitments and national legal framework for combating illicit activity,’ a statement from the UAE government said.

© Provided by Extra.ieThe United Arab Emirates have frozen the assets of the Kinahan drug cartel amid mounting international pressure against the gang. Photo: Collins.

One person briefed on the matter told the Financial Times that the asset freeze includes all personal and corporate bank accounts.

The UAE is the latest country to impose financial sanctions on the Kinahan gang, with the US treasury imposing sanctions on several of its members including Daniel Kinahan, Christopher ‘Christy’ Kinahan Sr and Christopher Kinahan Jr.

A $5million reward for people who have information that will lead to the arrest of the Kinahans has also been announced.

The US have accused the Kinahans of smuggling narcotics from the country into Europe, as well as engaging in money laundering, frequently using Dubai as a ‘facilitation hub for its illicit activity.’

© Provided by Extra.ieAmerican authorities have issued a $5million reward for anyone that has information that will lead to the arrests of Christy Kinahan and his sons Christy Jr and Daniel. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos

The asset freeze is the latest blow for the gang as Daniel Kinahan linked boxing management group MTK n.