Episode 124: Two years after the Encrochat hack - how many of gangland's big players have been brought to justice?

2025 looks likely to be the year that the IRA wing in Portlaoise high-security prison is closed for good marking the end of an era and leaving a handful of dissident prisoners with no more privileges or empty cells to call their own.Nicola speaks with Niall Donald about Portlaoise, the army withdrawal, and the 70 empty beds that have made E wing a place of ghosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

29 Tammi 21min

A Ukrainian crewman has pleaded guilty to his role in the massive seizure of cocaine aboard the MV Matthew nabbed under a major Garda, coast guard and Army ranger wing operation. Six more men have applied to have the case against them dismissed but a decision will be made on that tomorrow.Nicola speaks to Eimear Rabbitte about the latest on the MV Matthew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

28 Tammi 12min

The mother of murder victim Gareth Hutch has described the pain of losing her son and the life-changing event that changed her world forever.Vera Hutch made her comments as killer Nicky McConnell became the fourth person jailed for life for his murder.Meanwhile, the DPP has been asked to consider taking charges against Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch as part of a massive investigation into Garda corruption.Nicola speaks with Eamon Dillon about the conviction of McConnell and on going investigations around the Hutch Organised Crime Group. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

28 Tammi 27min

Influencer and fitness Shane Flynn’s pleas for mercy from a judge fell on deaf ears as he was jailed for sexual assault of one of his clients.Flynn amassed more than 35,000 followers on Instagram with his mixture of wellness advice and training tips before he was exposed as a predator.Niall speaks to Sunday World news editor Eimear Rabbitt about how Flynn’s booming business fell to dust following his conviction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

27 Tammi 15min

MMA star Conor McGregor attended the inauguration of Donald Trump this week and shown his support for far right figureheads Nigel Farage and Tommy Robinson.So what is McGregor doing now and has he any political ambitions after his high profile civil rape trial.Nicola speaks to Clodagh Meaney about McGregor and what will happen next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

24 Tammi 19min

Hitman Imre Arakas has landed another 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to a murder and another attempted murder in court in Lithuania.The Kinahan-linked killer for hire apologised for his crimes and said he was very remorseful.But is he really sorry for his career as an assassin or was he hoping for a lighter sentence?Nicola speaks to Clodagh Meaney about Arakas and a day in court in Kaunas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

23 Tammi 18min

Tiger kidnapper Paschal Kelly and mediator Jonathan Gill controlled a crime gang involved in bank robberies and drug dealing, CAB have claimed in legal documents.The alleged ties between the two men were laid bare in a case brought by the bureau against Kelly over €20k found in a bank account.Niall speaks to Eamon Dillon about Paschal Kelly’s criminal history and how Jonathan Gill has insisted he is a legitimate businessman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

23 Tammi 17min

‘Fat’ Freddie Thompson has asked a judge to move his upcoming trial because he fears he will be shot dead by the ‘Hutch Crime Family’.The convicted killer claimed he fears being shot dead getting out of a prison van if his assault trial is held in a court in Portlaoise.Niall speaks to Sunday World news editor Eimear Rabbitt about how Fat Freddie has said he does not want to end up like his cousin David Byrne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22 Tammi 13min