Kavanagh Admits Guilt in Arms Cache Scheme

Thomas Kavanagh, a leader of the Kinahan organized crime group, along with two associates, has pleaded guilty to firearms charges after attempting to create a fake arms cache to secure a reduced prison sentence. The trio amassed 11 firearms, including submachine guns, and planned to inform the National Crime Agency (NCA) about their location in a bid for leniency. Their plan unraveled when information was leaked from French police who accessed encrypted communications on EncroChat, revealing Kavanagh's deceit. Kavanagh, already serving a 21-year sentence for drug trafficking, initially approached the NCA in December 2020 claiming to possess intelligence on the weapons. The NCA uncovered the firearms hidden in Northern Ireland after Kavanagh provided a map leading to the stash. Sentencing for Kavanagh and his associates is scheduled for October 21.