Police warn sporting world over Daniel Kinahan connections as $5million bounty offered

Professional sportspeople and organisations have been sternly warned over being involved with the Kinahan organised crime group, which has been hit with worldwide financial sanctions.

Among those sanctioned is Daniel Kinahan, the founder of MTK Global who has remained active in boxing despite claiming he's no longer involved in the company. Kinahan, 44, was publicly praised by Tyson Fury after playing a pivotal role in sealing a two-fight deal between 'The Gypsy King' and Anthony Joshua in 2020.

The bouts never took place due to legal intervention from Deontay Wilder, but Kinahan's role in negotiations was very apparent. He has also worked with the likes of undisputed light-welterweight champion Josh Taylor and Michael Conlan - although there are no allegations of wrongdoing against any boxers who have worked with Kinahan.

The US Department of State is now offering a reward of up to $5million (£3.8m) for information leading to the "financial disruption" of the Kinahan gang or the arrest of its leaders. In a statement on Tuesday, Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E Nelson said: "The Kinahan Organised Crime Group (KOCG) smuggles deadly narcotics, including cocaine, to Europe, and is a threat to the entire licit economy through its role in international money laundering."

And now Irish police commissioner Drew Harris has left the world of sport in no doubt as to the ramifications of being involved with the gang, warning any dealings mean "you are involved in a criminal network". He said in a statement: "On the business of sport, today we have made it very clear through this announcement who and what exactly the Kinahan organised crime group is."

"Individuals, specific individuals, have