Photographs and video footage have surfaced showing wanted Kinahan cartel leaders, Daniel and Christy Kinahan, in Dubai, despite multi-million dollar rewards for their capture from the United States government. This marks the first confirmed sighting of the notorious crime figures since sanctions were imposed on them in April 2022, which prohibited financial transactions involving the cartel and its members.
Captured during a mixed martial arts (MMA) event at the 971 Fighting Championship on June 14, 2025, the footage shows the Kinahan leaders still residing in Dubai, where they fled in 2016 from Spain amid escalating criminal activities. The recent appearance follows the extradition of cartel lieutenant Sean McGovern from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Ireland, where he faces serious charges, including murder.
The Kinahan family has been under international scrutiny, with $15 million in rewards offered for information leading to their arrest. The sanctions imposed by the US government in 2022 aimed to dismantle the Kinahan Organised Crime Group, which is estimated to be worth €1.5 billion and involved in various illicit activities, including drug trafficking and money laundering.
Visual Evidence of Cartel Leadership
The new footage emerged after investigative organization Bellingcat used facial recognition technology to analyze social media images linked to Daniel Kinahan. Their findings confirmed his presence at the event, where he was seen sitting ringside with Mounir Lazzez, the founder of the 971 Fighting Championship and a former professional fighter. Daniel Kinahan, dressed in a black top, baseball cap, and glasses, was captured in a professional photograph taken during the event.
Bellingcat’s research also revealed that Christy Kinahan, the cartel’s notorious leader, was among the crowd of approximately 6,000 attendees. Observers noted his distinct appearance, wearing a Panama hat and a blue polo shirt. The presence of both Kinahan leaders at such a high-profile event raised eyebrows, considering their history of evading law enforcement.
Bellingcat confirmed Christy Kinahan’s identity through multiple sources and footage from the event, marking it as one of the longest known recordings of him publicly available. Despite his previous efforts to remain under the radar, his attendance at the event contradicts his typical clandestine behavior.
Continued Operations and Global Implications
The Kinahan cartel remains a significant player in global organized crime, with links to various international entities, including Iranian intelligence and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Despite sanctions and law enforcement efforts, the cartel’s operations in Dubai appear to have persisted, suggesting a level of resilience in their criminal activities.
Reports indicate that the UAE government claims to have frozen €200 million in assets associated with the Kinahan cartel. However, the continued visibility of the Kinahan leaders raises questions about the effectiveness of these measures. As investigations proceed, Irish authorities remain focused on dismantling the cartel’s operations, particularly in light of a significant anniversary approaching—the tenth year since a violent attack linked to the Kinahan gang that resulted in multiple fatalities.
Despite efforts to bring the Kinahans to justice, they seem to maintain a luxurious lifestyle in Dubai. Detective Chief Superintendent Seamus Boland, head of Ireland’s drugs and organized crime bureau, has stated that investigations are ongoing, expressing hope that 2026 will mark a pivotal year in the fight against organized crime.
As the saga of the Kinahan cartel unfolds, the implications for international law enforcement and cooperation remain critical. The recent footage serves as a stark reminder of the continued influence and presence of organized crime in global affairs.
