A major Kinahan cartel associate has been arrested in Spain over a suspected murder and on the foot of an Irish warrant.
The suspected hitman, who is an associate of the late gangster Martin ‘Marlo’ Hyland, was arrested in Spain this week on the foot of a European Arrest Warrant and in relation to a Spanish-led murder probe.
It is understood he and another associate are also being investigated over the disappearance and suspected murder of the brother of an Irish footballer.
The footballer’s brother, who is also connected to the Kinahan cartel, vanished from the Marbella area of Spain back in June and his family fear he was murdered by a criminal gang.
Now it has emerged that the arrested man and another associate are being investigated over the disappearance of the footballer’s brother.
Following the arrest by Spanish authorities, the Irish European Arrest Warrant was also executed.
It is understood he remains in Spanish custody at the moment while the investigation into a suspected murder continues.
“The Spanish investigation takes priority at the moment,” a source said. “But the Irish warrant was also executed.”
A Garda spokesperson also confirmed to the Irish Mirror that the force was aware of the arrest.
“An Garda Síochána is aware of the execution in Spain of a European Arrest Warrant issued by the Irish courts, on an Irish National, a Male aged in his 30s.
“This currently is a matter for the Spanish authorities.”
The arrested man once played a central role in the Kinahan-Hutch feud and has been residing in Spain for several years since.
Eddie Hutch Jr was found dead at his home In Dublin’s North Inner City(Image: Patrick Cummins Photography)
He was once associated in connection with the murder of Eddie Hutch in February 2016 and has connections to Daniel Kinahan and many senior lieutenants within the cartel.
In recent years, he is said to have gone his own way and was deeply entrenched in gangland activity within Spain.
He was also recently arrested and released earlier this year over firearms threats.
Sources say he’s wanted in Ireland over a serious assault and the arrest warrant has been live for some time.
However gardai are understood to be happy to wait for the outcome of the Spanish investigation before attempting to extradite the man.
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