The world of sports has been warned about its involvement with the Kinahan organized crime group, which has been hit by global financial sanctions. Among those sanctioned is Daniel Kinahan – a well-known boxing figure who has worked with world champions Tyson Fury and Josh Taylor. Garda (Irish Police) Commissioner Drew Harris said it was “now absolutely clear” that “if you are dealing with ‘individuals or companies that have been sanctioned then you are’ involved in a criminal network ‘. There are no charges against any boxers who have collaborated with Kinahan. The Irish Kinahan cartel emerged in Dublin in the 1990s and Irish, American and British law enforcement agencies have launched a concerted action against one of the largest criminal groups in the world. A reward of up to $ 5 million (3, 3.84 million) was offered by the US for information on the top three members. In total, seven members and three affiliates are targeted. “When it comes to sports, today we have made it very clear through this announcement who and what the Kinahan Organized Crime Team is,” Harris said. “Individuals, namely individuals, have been sanctioned. It is then up to the companies to make a decision, taking into account the prosperity of their own business, the dignity of the whole business that comes from sports, and also after their fans, still “And the reputation of a sport and whether they should continue in any business with any of those people who have been sanctioned. In fact then in the US it is actually banned.” Assistant Commissioner John O’Driscoll condemned Kinahan’s boxing role, telling reporters at a press conference in Dublin that his influence “is destroying or trying to destroy a sport that is so important to city communities”. Kinahan is a co-founder of MTK Global, which represents a number of top boxing fighters, including Fury. Kinahan says he severed ties with the company in 2017. While Kinahan says he is no longer associated with the agency, last year Fury explicitly thanked him for hosting a high-profile match with then-world champion Anthony Joshua, who later failed. Just weeks ago, Fury was photographed in Dubai with Kinahan. Kinahan is also believed to have advised Scottish boxing world champion Taylor, who is also represented by MTK Global. Taylor once described Kinahan as a “great consultant” who does great things for the sport of boxing. The BBC contacted Fury’s Top Rank supporters and Taylor and his team for comment. Despite Kinahan’s well-known links to the drug trade, boxing leaders have defended his involvement in the sport. Last month, World Boxing Council (WBC) President Mauricio Sulaiman offered his “full support” to the Irishman’s continued participation following a meeting in Dubai. The BBC contacted the WBC for comment. One of the companies sanctioned by the US is Hoopoe Sports, a martial arts sports management company. Her website lists a number of prominent boxers as clients. Another boxing company, Probellum, has denied any involvement with Kinahan. After a BBC investigation revealed his continued presence in the sport last year, Kinahan insisted that the crime allegations were part of a “campaign” against him. “It’s absolutely up to the sport and the sports leaders and participants to take a look at who they are dealing with and if they are comfortable with it and take the right steps,” said the deputy director of investigations at the National Crime Agency. Matthew Horn. “This is an appropriate issue for the sports community to address.” Horn added that sports and broadcasters need to “pay close attention” and ensure that Kinahan no longer has ties to the organizations with which it does business. “If there is a relationship with Daniel Kinahan, then it is clear that he is being sanctioned and that this is affecting other organizations,” he told BBC Sport. “But it will really be up to sports and sports organizations to make these assessments based on what we have published today in collaboration with our partners internationally.” In a statement, Sky Sports said it was “aware of recent developments”, including sanctions. He added: “We always look at and act responsibly in our boxing relationships.”
