Swathed in the mantle of an Irish underworld legend, master criminal mind, Christy “The Dapper Don” Kinahan, has seemingly left a grisly scattering of mortalities, coupled incongruously with a string of Google restaurant reviews, in his intangible path. This escapade has him evading the grasp of multiple international authorities while flaunting his culinary critiques under the digital radar.
Evoking images of a suited rogue straight out of a Grand Theft Auto underworld, Kinahan has emerged atop a sinister empire built on the rubble of small-time street crime and the heavy complexities of international drug and arms trafficking. The edifice of his criminal empire, the Kinahan Cartel, is considered by the U.S. government as one of the globe’s most expansive transnational organized crime syndicates.
Adding a peculiar dimension to his elusive persona, Kinahan has demonstrated a fondness for gastronomy under the clever guise of ‘Christopher Vincent.’ His Google reviews posted from 2019 to 2023 reveal rather perceptive insights into the dining establishments he visits. In one particular critique, he confesses to abandoning the Mitts and Trays restaurant in Blue Water, Dubai, due to an unacceptably protracted wait time, especially given the presence of children, an unlikely concern for one of the world’s most sought-after villains.
The annals of Irish courts brand the Kinahan name as synonymous with a “murderous organization,” guilt-ridden with accusations of global trafficking in drugs and firearms. The American State Department in 2022, replicated the gravity of the situation by offering a staggering reward of $15 million for substantial leads towards the capture of key members of the ill-famed Kinahan family.
Dubai, a city synonymous with plush extravagance, is speculated to be the current hideout for Kinahan and his offspring, Daniel and Christopher Jr. Reports from The Irish Times suggest they reside in a fortified luxury mansion from where they orchestrate their global operations with the help of ruthless gunmen and scrupulous money launderers.
Following a fierce confrontation in 2016 with a rival Dublin syndicate known as the Hutch Gang, the Kinahans found refuge in Dubai. The violent feud culminated in a dramatic assault at the Regency Hotel in Dublin by Hutch members masquerading as police officers, resulting in the untimely demise of two Kinahan associates even as the primary targets escaped unscathed. The aftermath was characteristically brutal with the Kinahan Cartel reportedly retaliating with a murder spree claiming twelve lives.
Underneath the stark reality of his criminal life, Kinahan’s crown as an avid globetrotter shines bright. Running contrary to his legal predicament, his Google reviews have detailed his experiences in numerous countries including Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Hungary, Belgium, Turkey, Egypt, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Hong Kong. This contribution to the review platform has earned him over 10,000 points and a “level 7” guide rating, a bizarre commendation for a man of his riches and notoriety.
His critical commentaries cast him in the light of an impatient and somewhat particular businessman. One such review highlights Kinahan’s quirkiness and betrays the irony of his occupational title when he critiques a waitress for addressing him as ‘boss.’ He then asks to be called ‘Chris, Mr Vincent, or Sir.’ His review ends with a touch of dry humor where he writes, “The waitress tittered…’thanks boss!'”
Notwithstanding the jest, the criminal gastronome assigned the restaurant an appreciative four stars, underlining the peculiar paradox of a world-renowned outlaw known equally for his taste in food as his taste for crime.
