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

A 73-year-old grandmother who was jailed for theft and larceny has walked free after just six weeks behind bars.Margaret Bergin claimed over €270,000 from social welfare in the name of her deceased father in law who died in 1993.She was discovered in 2022 when welfare officers came to her home and found her husband in bed, pretending to be the frail 110-year-old.Clodagh Meaney speaks to Eimear Rabbitt about fraudsters and the lengths people go to for cash. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

31 Jan 25min

Criminal John Gilligan’s troubles in Spain intensified today after police there released details on his recent arrest - saying he was caught with an enormous €8 million worth of pink cocaine and components for crystal meth in a home he had turned into a Breaking Bad lab.Nicola speaks with Niall Donald about 72-year-old Gilligan and the lengthy prison term he is likely to now face. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

30 Jan 15min

Dissident extortionist Nathan Kinsella is out of jail and driving around in a €30,000 Audi after telling a court that his flash lifestyle is thanks to gifts from a mystery millionaire friend.Nicola speaks with Eamon Dillon about Kinsella’s release from a short prison term for failing to pay taxes on hundreds of thousand of euros that were lodged into three accounts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

30 Jan 22min

Murder victim John George is to be laid to rest in Belfast this weekend, more than a month after he disappeared, having gone on holidays to Spain. Nicola speaks with journalist Allison Morris about the murder case, about a funeral, and about the ongoing hunt for a suspect. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

29 Jan 11min

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 Jan 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 Jan 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 Jan 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 Jan 15min