A senior member of the notorious Kinahan cartel, Peadar Keating (45), from Clondalkin, Dublin, became the latest high-profile figure arrested in connection with the transnational crime group. On Tuesday morning, Keating was taken from his cell in Portlaoise Prison and brought to a garda station in Blanchardstown for several hours of questioning under organised crime legislation.
Key Details of the Arrest:
- Peadar Keating arrested inside Portlaoise Prison and questioned by Blanchardstown detectives
- Evidence centres on hacked PGP Blackberry encrypted devices used by the Kinahan cartel
- Alleged links to Jason ‘Jay’ O’Connor for planning hits and other serious crimes
- Keating returned to prison the same night after questioning
- Investigation supported by specialist national units
Encrypted Devices and the PGP Blackberry Network
The Kinahan cartel relied heavily on specially designed “Pretty Good Privacy” (PGP) Blackberry smartphones, which senior members believed were untraceable. Users communicated using anonymous “handles” to arrange drug deals, murders, and other criminal activities.
Gardaí, working with international partners in the US, successfully hacked into these encrypted devices. The breakthrough has provided crucial evidence in multiple investigations, including the case against cartel leader Daniel Kinahan, who reportedly used the handle “Bon”.
Keating was specifically questioned about participating in the activities of a criminal organisation based on messages recovered from the compromised devices.
Peadar Keating’s Criminal History and Role in the Kinahan Cartel
Peadar Keating, also known as Peter Keating, is considered one of the most senior Kinahan figures still in Ireland. In September 2021, he was sentenced to 11 years by the Special Criminal Court for directing the attempted assassination of rival Hutch gang member James ‘Mago’ Gately.
The plot involved heavy surveillance and the importation of Estonian hitman Imre Arakas. Keating, formerly of Rowlagh Green, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty to directing the activities of a criminal organisation between December 2016 and April 2017.
In December 2024, Keating received an additional four years and eight months in England for his role in a conspiracy to plant guns and ammunition to help secure a reduced sentence for UK-based Kinahan associate Thomas ‘Bomber’ Kavanagh. He is serving this sentence concurrently in Ireland.
Links to Jason ‘Jay’ O’Connor and Planned Revenge Attacks
Jason ‘Jay’ O’Connor, a volatile gunman with over 70 previous convictions from Blanchardstown, was jailed for 11 years in October 2024 for conspiring to murder Charlie Cooper in a revenge attack linked to the killing of his friend Keith Walker.
An encrypted Blackberry seized from O’Connor’s home revealed extensive planning of “operations,” including discussions about silencers, vehicle trackers, targets, and cold-blooded intentions such as “clean head shot, no mistakes.”
Gardaí have long investigated Keating’s suspected links to O’Connor in facilitating murders and other crimes on behalf of the Kinahan cartel during the height of the deadly Hutch-Kinahan feud, which claimed 18 lives.
Broader Crackdown on the Kinahan Organised Crime Group
Keating’s arrest comes amid a series of significant blows to the Kinahan cartel. Last week, cartel boss Daniel Kinahan was detained in a Dubai prison following an extradition request from Ireland, where he faces charges of directing a criminal organisation.
Separately, a suspected Kinahan gunman in his late 30s was arrested in Malaga, Spain, over the weekend after allegedly threatening a nightclub staff member. He is also wanted in connection with murders linked to the cartel, including the killing of Baiba Saulite.
Keating is further suspected of continuing to direct violent activities from prison, including a long-running campaign against rival James ‘Nellie’ Walsh, who was forced to flee to Scotland.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Peadar Keating Arrest
Why was Peadar Keating arrested in Portlaoise Prison?
Keating was removed from his cell and questioned by Blanchardstown detectives over alleged communications on hacked encrypted PGP Blackberry devices linking him to Jason ‘Jay’ O’Connor and other Kinahan cartel activities.
What evidence is being used against Peadar Keating?
Investigators are relying on data recovered from previously encrypted mobile phones used by senior cartel members. Messages discuss hits, surveillance, and organised crime operations.
Who is Jason ‘Jay’ O’Connor?
A notorious west Dublin criminal with a long history of violence. He was recently sentenced for conspiring to murder Charlie Cooper and is suspected of planning further attacks for the Kinahan organisation.
What is Peadar Keating’s sentence and background?
Keating is serving an 11-year sentence for directing the attempted murder of Hutch associate James ‘Mago’ Gately. He also received additional time in England for a conspiracy involving weapons and perverting justice.
How does this arrest impact the Kinahan cartel?
It represents another significant development in the international effort against the Kinahan Organised Crime Group, exposing internal communications and operations nearly a decade old.
The Significance of Encrypted Device Evidence in Modern Gangland Investigations
The successful hacking of PGP Blackberry and Encrochat networks has proven devastating for organised crime groups worldwide. In Ireland, these breakthroughs have provided gardaí with detailed insights into the inner workings of the Kinahan cartel, including planning, command structures, and violent intentions.
Keating’s case highlights how even prisoners in high-security facilities can remain connected to criminal networks through smuggled or previously compromised technology. It also demonstrates the persistence of law enforcement in pursuing cold cases and historical crimes linked to the deadly Hutch-Kinahan feud.
As more senior figures face justice, both in Ireland and abroad, the pressure on the remaining Kinahan network continues to mount.
This article is based on reported court proceedings, garda sources, and public records as of April 2026. All individuals are entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
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