Irish Crime Networks Linked to Iranian Drug Gangs in Urgent Update

URGENT UPDATE: New reports confirm that Irish criminals are at the forefront of a significant cocaine smuggling operation, directly linked to Iranian-backed drug gangs. Detective Chief Superintendent Seamus Boland, head of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB), revealed these shocking connections during a recent interview, highlighting the growing concern over international crime syndicates operating in Ireland.

Boland stated that Irish criminal networks are actively collaborating with Iranian factions to facilitate large-scale drug trafficking. This development underscores a troubling trend where local gangs are reaching out to cartels based in South America and the Middle East. The notorious Kinahan Organised Crime Group is reportedly engaged with the Italian mafia and various Colombian and Peruvian cartels, escalating the threat posed by these alliances.

Previously, in September 2023, Boland’s unit, along with other law enforcement agencies, seized cocaine valued at approximately €157 million onboard the MV Matthew, a bulk cargo ship. Investigators uncovered significant ties between this case, Iran, and the militant group Hezbollah, raising urgent questions about the extent of international crime networks operating within Ireland’s borders.

Boland emphasized that Irish criminals are not only facilitating drug imports but also promoting Ireland as a lucrative market for these operations. “Our Irish criminals are telling them, come to Ireland. Try Ireland,” he said, underlining the local knowledge that these criminals leverage to attract foreign cartels.

The interconnected nature of these operations was exemplified by the case of Naoufal Fassih, a senior Dutch criminal arrested in Ireland in 2016. Fassih was linked to the assassination of Iranian dissident Mohammad Reza Kolahi Samadi and was extradited to the Netherlands on a European Arrest Warrant. This case illustrates the far-reaching implications of these alliances, showcasing how Irish crime networks are entangled in international issues of political violence.

Boland further stated, “There are legitimate questions about the connections between Dutch organised crime, criminals in the Middle East, and the Iranian government.” The investigation has revealed a troubling cooperation between the so-called Mocro Mafia, a consortium of drug gangs in the Netherlands and Belgium, and the Kinahan group, indicating a robust network that extends from Europe to Iran.

As authorities continue to unravel these links, Boland noted the significant evidence of Iranian nationals being arrested in various operations in Ireland, linking them directly to organized crime activities. He stressed, “We have him [Samadi] murdered by an organised crime gang, the Mocro mafia, and we see evidence recovered… discussing this particular murder.”

The implications of these findings are profound. Boland pointed to evidence from the United States Department of Treasury that highlights links between Venezuela, Iran, and Hezbollah, suggesting a broader international drug trafficking operation that may be funding militant activities.

The GNDOCB is intensifying efforts to combat this alarming trend, with Boland urging the public and other agencies to remain vigilant. As these investigations evolve, the potential for increased violence and crime in Ireland looms large, making it essential for law enforcement and communities to address this urgent threat.

Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds.