The US enforcement body with the Kinahans in its sights

The Office of Foreign Assets Control, headquarters in Washington DC, enforces economic sanctions programmes aimed at stopping in its tracks any activity contrary to US foreign policy interests. File picture

In falling foul of the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the Kinahan cartel has made a powerful enemy. It will do well to survive this particular battle.

With blanket financial sanctions placed on seven of the notorious gang’s most prominent faces, including Christy Kinahan Sr and his son Daniel, together with a reward of up to $15m for the successful imprisonment of the duo and Daniel’s brother Christy Jr, a fire has been lit under the cartel, the sheer heat of which has taken most observers by surprise.