The US Ambassador to Ireland is “optimistic” about the investigation into the Kinahan Cartel as the "noose is tightening".

US Ambassador Claire Cronan and Tánaiste Michael Martin spoke about the investigation in a press conference today following a meeting with US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland Joe Kennedy III.

Ms Cronin said investigations have seen great progress since last April, when a $5 million reward onto an appeal for information about the Kinahan cartel. 

The US also named Christy Kinahan, Daniel Kinahan and Christy Kinahan Jr in the wanted notice. 

“Since last April when we made that announcement, we have seen the noose tightening a little be around the Kinahans,” she said. 

Thanks @ibec_irl for hosting me and @USAmbIreland for a great discussion on challenges and substance of a cross-border workforce pic.twitter.com/243AvXfTgJ

— Joseph Kennedy III (@USEnvoyNI) June 20, 2023

She said the recent arrest of Liam Byrne, a senior member of the Kinahan crime gang, is a positive development. 

“It has been a great example of collaboration both between our Governments, but between the multiple agencies that have been involved in this,” she said. 

“We will continue to see that and I'm very pleased of the outcome to this point and optimistic about the future.” 

'Criminality is international'

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said both Gardaí and international police forces are working together on this. 

“What it demonstrates is combating criminality is now international, it’s global,” she said. “Combating terrorism is global, combating cybersecurity threats is global. 

“Cooperation is essential, cooperation between police forces of different like-minded countries is essential. 

“Criminality knows no borders today and it’s very heartening to see the strength of cooperation between the two countries.”