The Kinahan organized crime group carried out a grim act in Majorca, a murder carried out against an Irish citizen while on holiday in August 2016. The incident unfolded in the Costa de la Calma area of Calvià, and it drew sharp attention to the long-running feud between rival factions and the reach of criminal networks beyond their home countries.
Initial reports described a failed hit. The gunman, hired to target a member of the Huch crime syndicate on the island, misidentified his mark. Instead of striking the intended rival, the assailant shot an Irish national who happened to be a tourist and had just formed a casual friendship with someone associated with the Huch clan. The moment the shot rang out, security cameras captured the fleeing gunman as he escaped Mallorca, likely with aid from an accomplice. The victim’s life was lost, and investigators noted that the killer was unaware of the victim’s true identity at the time of the attack.
The case underscored the distance between the organization’s plans and the reality on the ground. Despite clear intent to eliminate a rival, the chosen target was not the intended person. The broader dynamics of the feud, the international footprint of the organization, and the willingness to operate abroad contributed to a tense period for both law enforcement and the communities affected by the violence. The victim’s ties to the local scene and his accidental proximity to a member of the rival faction added layers of complexity to the investigation, challenging authorities to piece together connections that spanned regions and affiliations.
The narrative took another turn when, months later, the same shooter was targeted and eliminated by members of the organization elsewhere, a direct consequence of the ongoing power struggles within the syndicate. The attack occurred near Dublin, illustrating how the conflict extended beyond borders and into the heart of the organization’s own ranks. This sequence of events highlighted the volatile nature of organized crime networks, where retaliation and factional retribution can unfold with alarming speed and reach.
From a security and public safety perspective, the Mallorca incident served as a case study in misidentification risks, surveillance exposure, and the challenges of preventing cross-border criminal activity. Investigators emphasized the importance of scrutinizing social ties and the unintended consequences that can arise when criminals misread personal associations. The incident also prompted discussions among international law enforcement about how to disrupt the transnational operations of such groups and to protect tourists and residents in areas prone to gang-related violence. The evolving picture of the case showed that even when a target is clearly defined within a criminal plan, mistakes can have far-reaching and costly repercussions for all involved.