Public immigration records reveal that sanctioned leaders of the Kinahan organized crime group continue to hold or renew residence permits in Dubai.

A review of United Arab Emirates immigration records by Bellingcat and The Sunday Times has revealed that Christopher Kinahan Jr, a sanctioned leader of the Kinahan cartel, had his residence permit renewed in July. Despite being the subject of a $5 million US government reward for his arrest, Kinahan Jr remains in Dubai. The investigation also identified active residence permits for other cartel members, contradicting reports that the UAE had effectively barred the group from doing business.

Visa Status and Employment

Christopher Kinahan Jr’s two-year residence permit was renewed on July 20, listing his profession as a "sales officer" for a company called Island Star Tourism. Similarly, cartel member Bernard Clancy had his two-year permit renewed in January, also under the title of "sales officer" for Al Matn Goods Wholesalers LLC. Records for other senior figures, including Christy Kinahan and Ian Dixon, show their residence permits have expired, with both individuals accruing significant fines for overstaying their visas.

Sanctions and Official Oversight

The US government sanctioned the Kinahan Organised Crime Group in 2022, citing its involvement in a $1.5 billion network spanning drug trafficking, money laundering, and arms smuggling. While the UAE reportedly banned the group from business activities and claimed to have frozen €200 million in assets, the investigation found that leadership has continued to engage with immigration authorities. Experts cited in the report questioned how the UAE could remain unaware of the residency status of such high-profile figures.