RIP: Tributes pour in for senior detective who led international investigation that punished Kinahan cartel

By ALIHA HOULIHAN for AML Intelligence

Ireland’s Prime Minister has paid tribute to the sudden death of the exceptional detective who led the international police operation against the Kinahan organized crime cartel.

Taoiseach Simon Harris, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and Justice Secretary Helen McEntee were among those who paid tribute to retired Deputy Commissioner John O’Driscoll, who died on Friday aged 64.

John was a police officer for 41 years, including as Assistant Commissioner for Special Crime Operations from 2016 until his retirement in 2022.

In that role, he led the Garda’s efforts against the Kinahan Cartel and other organized crime groups in Ireland, and led the international operation that saw the Dubai-based gang sanctioned by the United States – with bounties of $5 million for each of the three family members in charge. crowd.

John was a true friend of AML Intelligence and spoke at the ‘International Anti-Financial Crime Summit 2023′ in Dublin, where he outlined the Kinahans’ money laundering operations.

He also spoke at our Closed Session Roundtables, where he explained to banking and fintech leaders the methods used by organized criminals to infiltrate the international financial system.

“Jan was one of a kind. As the son of a senior police officer, he was a police officer with integrity to the core. “I knew John from his days as a street drugs officer in Dublin’s north inner city where he had a huge impact against the gangs,” he said. AML intelligence publisher, Stephen Rae today (Saturday).

“He saw the impact drugs have on communities and made it his mission to strike at the heart of organized crime. Only someone as exceptional as John could lead the international alliance that routed the Kinahan Cartel, one of the most organized criminal groups in the world. Jan will be sadly missed.

“He has left a tremendous legacy – not least the mission-driven officers he led throughout his career who continue the good fight,” Stephen said.

In his tribute on Friday, the Taoiseach offered his condolences to O’Driscoll’s wife Muriel and three children Michelle, Laura and Seán.

“John was a leading member of An Garda Síochána who served the force with such integrity,” he said.

“He was a highly respected and admired member of the Garda family and a true leader. I know the entire Garda family will mourn his loss today.

“I would like to express my condolences to John’s family and all his former colleagues.”

Police Commissioner Harris said Mr O’Driscoll was “an outstanding member of An Garda Síochána” (Ireland’s national police force).

“During his 41 years of great service, John worked tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable in society and was a great advocate for the power of sport, particularly boxing, in helping and supporting children from disadvantaged areas.

“In recent years he has been at the forefront of garda successes against organized crime. This work has helped save lives and protect communities from the scourge of drugs.

“At this very difficult time, my thoughts and the thoughts of the entire Garda organization are with John’s wife Muriel and his children, Michelle, Laura and Seán. May he rest in peace.”

Ms McEntee said she was “shocked and saddened” to hear of Mr O’Driscoll’s death.

“John retired from An Garda Síochána in June 2022 after 41 years, the last six of which he served as Assistant Commissioner in charge of Special Crime Operations,” she said.

“He has served the state with integrity and distinction during his 41-year law enforcement career.

“He was a man of integrity and decency, completely committed to public service and to serving the state to the best of his ability.

“Throughout his career he mentored dozens of gardaí, built strong teams and played a leading role in devising and implementing An Garda Siochana’s partnership with international law enforcement agencies in tackling the scourge of organized crime groups.”

Mr O’Driscoll is due to publish his memoirs, On Duty: Reflections on a Life in the Guards, at the end of October.

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