An Estonian hitman hired by the Kinahan cartel to murder a Hutch associate as part of a gangland feud has been jailed for six years.
Imre Arakas from Tallinn admitted being part of a conspiracy to kill James Gately in Northern Ireland.
Imre Arakas was arrested at a safe house in Dublin in April last year after Gardaí investigating the feud became aware of his arrival from Alicante.
The purpose behind his visit was to kill a man called James Gately – who has links to the Hutch crime gang.
The Special Criminal Court heard he was hired by an international crime cartel whose senior members are based in Spain and Dubai.
A quick-thinking Garda took pictures of a message thread on his encrypted BlackBerry phone before its contents were wiped remotely.
The conversation discussed details about Mr. Gately’s home in Belfast, his car and movements, and Mr. Arakas suggested the best way to take him out.
Mr. Justice Tony Hunt said he was to perform the vital role of pulling the trigger for financial gain.
He said he was recruited by a very serious criminal organisation as part of an ongoing feud and he described his contribution as “essential, high-level, intentional and determined” before jailing the 60-year-old for six years.
