Son of Kinahan Crime Group Member Extradited to UK

Jack Kavanagh, the son of Thomas ‘Bomber’ Kavanagh, a senior figure within the Kinahan organised crime group, has been extradited from Spain to the United Kingdom. His extradition is linked to allegations of firearms offences, marking a significant international legal action against the crime syndicate. The arrest and extradition occurred after Kavanagh was detained at Malaga Airport in May 2023 as he traveled from Dubai to Turkey.

The younger Kavanagh, aged 24 and hailing from Tamworth, UK, was escorted back to the UK by officers from the UK’s National Crime Agency‘s (NCA) Joint International Crime Centre. Following his return, he appeared via video link at Westminster Magistrates' Court on October 4, where he was remanded in custody. He faces serious charges related to the supply and acquisition of firearms, accusations that came to light through messages discovered on the encrypted messaging platform Encrochat.

The case against Kavanagh is part of a broader investigation into the Kinahan organised crime group. His father, Thomas Kavanagh, along with Liam Byrne, identified as the leader of the Dublin branch of the Kinahan group, have already admitted to firearms offences and are due to be sentenced imminently. The NCA, which conducted the investigation, described these admissions as part of a larger operation targeting criminal activities linked to the group.

Craig Turner, Deputy Director of Investigations at the NCA, commented on the extradition, stating, “Jack Kavanagh is the second associate linked to the Kinahan OCG who has been returned to the UK, after thinking he could evade us.” Turner emphasized the NCA’s commitment to pursuing individuals involved in the crime network across borders: “Our global reach, and ongoing partnership with international law enforcement agencies should act as a warning to anyone who thinks they can go on the run and avoid facing justice – we will not stop until you are back in the UK and behind bars.”

Kavanagh is due to appear before the Old Bailey in London on November 1. The charges he faces include conspiring to possess firearms without a certificate and acquiring prohibited weapons and ammunition. These charges stem from the NCA’s investigation, during which a cache of firearms was recovered.