Home / Crime and Justice / Jailed Cartel Leader's 'Treasure Map' Leads Police to Buried Weapons Cache
Jailed Cartel Leader's 'Treasure Map' Leads Police to Buried Weapons Cache
11 Nov
Summary
- Cartel lieutenant hid 11 guns in field to get lighter sentence
- Messages on encrypted app exposed his plot to amass weapons
- Takedown dealt major blow to UK operations of Kinahan crime group
In a daring sting operation, police have uncovered a hidden cache of 11 firearms buried in an isolated field, thanks to a 'treasure map' provided by a jailed cartel lieutenant. The handwritten note was passed to authorities by Thomas 'Bomber' Kavanagh, the UK chief of the Kinahan cartel, in a bid to secure a reduced sentence for a £30 million drug smuggling plot.
However, Kavanagh's plan was foiled after encrypted messages on the 'WhatsApp for criminals' platform EncroChat revealed he had actually ordered the weapons to be purchased and buried. The National Crime Agency (NCA) traced the plot back to Kavanagh's family members and associates, including his 24-year-old son Jack and brother-in-law Liam Byrne.
The takedown represents a significant blow to the Kinahan cartel's global operations. Kavanagh, who was already serving a 24-year sentence, was handed an additional 6 years, bringing his total to 30 years behind bars. His co-conspirators were also jailed, including Liam Byrne, who was thought to be in line to take over Kavanagh's role.
The NCA's investigation, codenamed Operation Briered, has also targeted other senior members of the Kinahan crime group, including the group's leader Daniel Kinahan, who is believed to be based in Dubai. Authorities warn that for every high-profile figure like Kavanagh, there are likely 20 more senior gang bosses they are working to take down.
