Criminal Podcast Episode Summary: "Five Stars"
Introduction
In the episode titled "Five Stars," released on March 7, 2025, Criminal, hosted by Phoebe Judge and produced by the Vox Media Podcast Network, delves deep into the intricate and shadowy world of Christopher Kinahan, an influential figure in European organized crime. This episode combines investigative journalism with compelling storytelling, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Kinahan's life, his cartel operations, and the relentless efforts of law enforcement to bring him to justice.
Christopher Kinahan's Rise to Power
John Mooney, an investigative journalist with the Sunday Times in Dublin, introduces Christopher Kinahan as "probably the most successful and entrepreneurial criminal that Ireland has ever produced" (00:02:44). Kinahan, now a billionaire, controls a significant portion of the cocaine trade in Europe and is considered one of Europe's most prolific criminals.
Kinahan's criminal journey began in the 1980s when Ireland faced a surge in heroin addiction. Initially employed as a taxi driver, Kinahan was involved in wholesaling heroin rather than street-level dealing (00:03:17). Over the years, he meticulously built the Kinahan Cartel, a large and secretive criminal organization. Unlike his contemporaries, Kinahan maintained a low profile, avoiding the public spotlight that often accompanies notorious criminals. As Mooney notes, "he kind of kept himself to himself. He shunned publicity" (00:03:58).
Building the Kinahan Cartel
Phoebe Judge highlights Kinahan's elusive nature, pointing out that there are few photos of him: "Christopher Kinahan has been described as photo wary. There aren't many photos of him online or in newspapers" (00:04:38). Kinahan's intelligence and business acumen allowed him to cultivate an image of a legitimate entrepreneur. Mooney describes him as "very together, very well spoken... could pass himself off as a businessman" (00:04:46).
Today, the Kinahan Cartel is reportedly led by Christopher Kinahan and his sons, Daniel and Christopher Jr., both in their 40s (00:05:15). Mooney has extensively investigated the cartel, interviewing various individuals connected to Kinahan, from money launderers to paramilitaries. He cautions about the cartel's "huge capabilities" and "infinite finances," emphasizing the danger posed to those who oppose them (00:05:33).
Investigations and Law Enforcement Challenges
Kinahan's departure from Ireland decades ago created significant hurdles for Irish authorities seeking to press charges against him. Frustrated by these obstacles, the Irish government sought assistance from the United States to build a coalition aimed at dismantling the cartel leadership (00:07:50). This international cooperation highlighted Kinahan's extensive reach and the complexity of prosecuting high-profile criminals who operate across borders.
In 2022, the U.S. State Department issued wanted posters for Christopher Kinahan and his sons, offering a reward of up to US$5 million each for information leading to their arrest or the financial disruption of the cartel (00:08:59). This move intensified efforts to track and apprehend the Kinahan family.
Discovery of Google Reviews: A Breakthrough
A pivotal moment in the investigation came in 2023 when researchers uncovered Christopher Kinahan's frequent Google reviews under the alias "Christopher Vincent" (00:10:18). These reviews, over 200 in number, covered a range of establishments from restaurants to government offices, inadvertently revealing Kinahan's movements and activities.
Mooney explains that by analyzing these reviews, the investigative team was able to "map out his activities, his contacts, some of his political views" (00:11:25). For instance, Kinahan's reviews of restaurants in Dubai included subtle reflections and locations that pinpointed his presence. One notable review from Tasha's in Dubai captured Kinahan and his son having lunch, providing the first concrete evidence of their presence in the city (00:26:56).
Kinahan's Personal Life and Family Dynamics
Christopher Kinahan was born in London in 1957 to Irish parents and moved back to Ireland at a young age. His early life was marked by discipline, attending a Catholic school in Dublin before being expelled for bad behavior (00:11:46). He married at 19, fathering Daniel and Christopher Jr., but the marriage dissolved due to his escalating involvement in criminal activities (00:12:14). Kinahan fathered at least eight children, many of whom lead private lives away from the cartel's operations (00:12:44).
Kinahan's relationship with his sons is pivotal to the cartel's current operations. Both sons, raised initially with limited contact, were eventually sent to live with their father in their late teens. Daniel and Christopher Jr. became senior figures within the cartel, with Daniel establishing connections in the boxing world and leveraging relationships with high-profile boxers like Tyson Fury (00:16:41). Their differing personalities—Daniel's temper and Christopher Jr.'s quiet demeanor—have shaped their roles within the organization (00:17:17).
Hutch-Kinahan Feud: A Deadly Confrontation
The episode details the intense and violent feud between the Kinahan Cartel and the Hutch Gang, another prominent Irish criminal organization. Daniel Kinahan's association with Gary Hutch, nephew of Gerard Hutch, led to a series of retaliatory killings (00:18:01). The feud escalated dramatically in February 2016 during the Clash of the Clans boxing tournament in Dublin, where armed men disguised as a woman and police officers entered a hotel, leading to shootings and the death of a Kinahan cartel member (00:24:55).
Over the next year, the feud resulted in the deaths of 18 individuals, predominantly attributed to the Kinahan cartel (00:24:55). This conflict not only shocked the Irish public but also underscored the cartel's ruthless determination to assert dominance over organized crime in Ireland.
International Maneuvering and Extradition Efforts
In response to escalating violence and international pressure, the Kinahans relocated to Dubai and attempted to establish a new base in Zimbabwe, near key drug trafficking routes (00:34:02). Their efforts to purchase gold in Zimbabwe and move it through South Africa for money laundering exemplify their sophisticated operations. However, these maneuvers were met with increasing scrutiny from global law enforcement agencies.
The United Arab Emirates took decisive action by freezing the Kinahan family's assets and initiating investigations (00:24:34). Despite Kinahan's substantial wealth and international connections, including ties with hostile states and terrorist organizations like Hezbollah, global authorities persisted in their pursuit. In October 2024, Ireland and the UAE reached a new treaty that could facilitate the extradition of Christopher Kinahan and his sons (00:41:43).
Insights from Investigative Journalism
John Mooney provides critical insights into the challenges of investigating and reporting on the Kinahan Cartel. He highlights the paradox of Kinahan using a smartphone to post incriminating Google reviews despite his need for secure, encrypted communications (00:35:03). Mooney reflects on the human aspect of Kinahan's actions, noting, "This is an individual who's one of the most wanted men on the planet, but still, he's just a man who makes mistakes" (00:36:29).
The accidental revelation of Kinahan's activities through Google reviews marked a significant breakthrough, allowing investigators to trace his movements and associations. However, the extent to which this information assists in the extradition and prosecution remains uncertain, as highlighted by Mooney's statement, "We still don't know how many puzzles were solved by the disclosure of that information" (00:41:00).
Bonus Segment: Ask Phoebe and Lauren Anything
Following the main content, the episode transitions to a bonus segment exclusive to Criminal Plus members, where hosts Phoebe Judge and Lauren Spohr answer listener questions. This segment shifts the tone from investigative reporting to personal interactions, providing insights into the hosts' lives, relationships, and preferences. Topics range from favorite meals and memories to the production process of the podcast itself.
Conclusion
"Five Stars" offers a comprehensive exploration of Christopher Kinahan's criminal empire, the complexities of international law enforcement cooperation, and the unforeseen avenues through which investigators can uncover criminal activities. Through meticulous research and engaging narration, Criminal paints a vivid portrait of one of Europe's most elusive and dangerous criminals, while also showcasing the dedication and challenges faced by those seeking to bring him down.
Notable Quotes
- John Mooney on Kinahan's discretion: "He kind of kept himself to himself. He shunned publicity." (00:03:58)
- Kinahan's intimidating communication style: "I'm not looking for a fight with you... Keep your energy levels up. Goodbye." (00:06:44)
- Mooney on the cartel's durability: "Their organization is very durable... they're still there." (00:41:43)
- Mooney's reflection on Kinahan's humanity: "This is an individual who's one of the most wanted men on the planet, but still, he's just a man who makes mistakes." (00:36:29)
Key Takeaways
- Christopher Kinahan's strategic approach to building and maintaining his criminal empire has made the Kinahan Cartel a formidable force in Europe.
- International cooperation, particularly between Ireland and the United States, is crucial in combating transnational organized crime.
- Unconventional investigative methods, such as analyzing online reviews, can yield significant breakthroughs in tracking elusive criminals.
- Personal dynamics within criminal organizations, especially familial ties, play a critical role in their operations and longevity.
For More Information
Listeners interested in this episode and others from Criminal can visit thisiscriminal.com for more details, sign up for newsletters, or become a Criminal Plus member to access bonus content and support the podcast's ongoing investigative work.