Fortified Villa of Kinahan Cartel Boss Christy Kinahan Exposed
A luxurious villa in Marbella’s millionaire’s row, once home to leading members of the infamous Kinahan Cartel, has been revealed to have state-of-the-art security features. The terracotta mansion, situated in Guadalmina Baja, a beachside neighbourhood on the Costa del Sol, boasts high-tech CCTV cameras, lights, and an alarm system to ward off potential intruders.
According to reports from the Daily Mail, the villa is listed by the US Treasury Department as the main Spanish address for Daniel Kinahan, the son of alleged drug kingpin Christy Kinahan. The Kinahan family, who are accused of running one of the most powerful drug cartels on the planet, own six properties on the Costa del Sol.
The villa, which is said to be a fortress-like structure, is equipped with multiple CCTV cameras that offer full coverage of the street below. A high wall runs along the property’s streetside perimeter, lined with towering trees, guaranteeing privacy. The property is located in a highly sought-after area, known for its beautiful beaches and golf courses.
Sean Woolley, director of real estate firm Cloud Nine Spain, told the Daily Mail that Guadalmina Baja is hugely popular with overseas buyers and ‘Spanish nobility’. "Guadalmina has always been one of Marbella’s foremost addresses, often regarded on a par with more famous neighbourhoods such as the Golden Mile and Sierra Blanca," he said.
The area is home to many prominent individuals, including former Spanish prime minister Jose Aznar. The neighbourhood has an understated, low-key feel, with a subtle security presence often visible, especially when one of the famous owners is in residence.
The Kinahans’ connection to the villa and the surrounding area has raised concerns about the influence of organised crime on the Costa del Sol. The family is accused of running a global empire, worth an estimated €1billion, and has been linked to various crimes, including drug trafficking and money laundering.
The Daily Mail reports that the Kinahans bought two other villas in San Pedro de Alcantara, plus an apartment in Los Flamingos Golf in neighbouring Benahavis. However, the current status of the properties is unclear after the Spanish authorities seized many of the Kinahan’s assets during Operation Shovel.
The Kinahans are currently based in Dubai, where they remain among the most wanted men in the world. However, reports suggest that an extradition treaty could be agreed between Ireland and the UAE ‘very soon’, raising the prospect of the gang being hauled back to their home country.
The alleged Kinahan money launderer, Johnny Morrissey, was arrested by police in September 2022 and accused by prosecutors of washing over €200million in drug money. However, he was freed on €60,000 bail after the authorities failed to produce enough evidence to charge him.
The Daily Mail also reports that Christy Kinahan Sr, known as ‘Dapper Don’, began the Kinahan Cartel as a drug-dealing ring in Dublin in the 1990s and has expanded it into a global empire. His son Daniel is accused of running day-to-day operations of the gang.
The Costa del Sol is well known for its links with organised crime, and the Kinahans’ presence in the area has contributed to this reputation. Despite this, local residents seem to have accepted the presence of crime in their community, with one Guadalmina local stating, "You never know who you’re sitting next to in a restaurant, it could be a family of tourists or a group of drug traffickers."
The outbursts of violence do little to deter holidaymakers, nor expats and locals from snapping up properties in what is regarded as one of the most sought after areas. However, the revelation of the Kinahan’s fortified villa has raised concerns about the area’s connection to organised crime.
In 2022, the United States offered a $5m reward for information that would lead to the arrest of either Christy, Daniel or Christy Jr. The Irish government ministers are also hopeful about the prospect of striking a new extradition treaty with the UAE, which could technically see the Kinahans returned to their home country.
The investigation by the Daily Mail has shed light on the Kinahan’s operations and their presence on the Costa del Sol. The villa, which was once a hub for the cartel’s activities, is a stark reminder of the reality of living in an area linked to organised crime.
