By ALISHA HOULIHAN for AML Intelligence
IRELAND’S prime minister has led tributes on the sudden death of the exceptional detective who led international police operations against the Kinahan organized crime cartel.
Taoiseach (PM) Simon Harris, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and Minister for Justice Helen McEntee were among those who paid tribute to retired Assistant Commissioner John O’Driscoll, who died Friday at the age of 64.
John was a police officer for 41 years, including Assistant Commissioner for Special Crime Operations from 2016 until his retirement in 2022.
In that role he led garda efforts against the Kinahan cartel and other organised crime groups in Ireland, leading the international operation which saw the Dubai-based gang sanctioned by the United States – and with $5 million bounties on each of the three family members leading the mob.
John was a true friend of AML Intelligence and spoke at ‘European Anti-Financial Crime Summit 2023’ in Dublin, where he outlined the money laundering operations employed by the Kinahans.
He also spoke at our Closed Session Roundtables where he explained to banking and fintech leaders the myriad methods used by organized criminals to infiltrate the international financial system.
“John was one of a kind. The son of a senior police officer, he was a cop’s cop with integrity to the core. I knew John from his days as street drugs officer in Dublin’s north inner city where he made an enormous impact against the gangs,” said AML Intelligence publisher, Stephen Rae today (Saturday).
“He saw the impact drugs have on communities and made it his mission to strike at the very heart of organized crime. Only someone as exceptional as John could lead the international alliance which put the Kinahan cartel, one of the world’s most organized criminal groups, on the run. John will be sadly missed.
“He has left a huge legacy – not least the mission-driven officers he led through his career and who carry on the good fight,” Stephen said.
Friends described how John always exhibited leadership qualities. “Even when a Sergeant in Dublin’s North Central Division drugs unit based out of Store Street station John was going after the big fish traffickers. The unit operated like a national unit with spectacular results,” said a colleague.
“It culminated at local level when one of Ireland’s top criminals, ‘King Rat’ Tony Felloni was prosecuted by the unit and subsequently jailed which was huge news in Ireland at the time,” the colleague added.
In his tribute on Friday, the Taoiseach offered his condolences to Mr O’Driscoll’s wife Muriel and three children Michelle, Laura and Seán.
“John was a distinguished member of An Garda Síochána who served the force with such integrity,” he said.
“He was a very respected and admired member of the garda family and a true leader. I know the entire garda family will be mourning his loss today.
“I wish to extend my sympathies to John’s family and all his former colleagues.”
Police Commissioner Harris said Mr O’Driscoll was “an outstanding member of An Garda Síochána” (Ireland’s National Police Force).
“Throughout his 41 years of stellar service, John worked tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable in society and was a great advocate for the power of sport, particularly boxing, in helping and supporting children from deprived areas.
“In recent years, he was to the forefront in garda successes against organised crime. This work helped save lives and protect communities from the scourge of drugs.
“At this very difficult time, my thoughts and the thoughts of the entire garda organisation are with John’s wife Muriel and his children, Michelle, Laura and Seán. May he rest in peace.”
Ms McEntee said she was “shocked and saddened” to hear of Mr O’Driscoll’s death.
“John retired from An Garda Síochána in June 2022 after 41 years, the last six of which he spent as the Assistant Commissioner with responsibility for Special Crime Operations,” she said.
“He served the State with integrity and distinction over the course of his 41-year career in policing.
“He was a man who manifested integrity and decency, completely dedicated to public service and to serving the State to the very best of his considerable ability.
“Throughout his career he mentored scores of gardaí, built strong teams, and played a leading role in devising and implementing An Garda Siochana’s partnership with international law enforcement in tackling the scourge of organised crime groups.”
Mr O’Driscoll was due to publish his memoir, On Duty: Reflections on a Life in the Guards, at the end of October.
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