Shooting of James Whelan

James Whelan was shot dead on 3 April 2022 in the Deanstown area of Finglas, Dublin.[1][2][3][4][5][6]

Background

A gang from the Finglas area has taken over the illicit drug dealing in that area, as well as Ballymun and Coolock.[7] They were connected to the Kinahan Organised Crime Group and took over areas formerly run by them with the gang's blessing.[7] Their leader in particular has close links to the Kinahan gang.[7]

Because of their lavish lifestyle they were nicknamed "the Gucci Gang" and their leader was nicknamed "Mr. Flashy".[7] Gardaí carried out a series of raids in 2019 against them with the support of the Garda helicopter and Armed Support Units.[7] Small quantities of illicit drugs were found.[7]

Gardaí were concerned in 2019 about a potential feud with another gang in west Dublin.[7]

Victim

James Whelan was a member of the gang and had been named in court as being involved with illicit drugs.[1] He had gotten involved with a young gang of dealers which had brought him into conflict with Mr Flashy.[1][2][3]

Shooting

A house connected to the deceased was shot at early on Sunday morning, in response another house on the estate was petrol bombed.[6] The deceased was shot around 4:30am that morning.[6] Locals tried to help him until paramedics arrived, but despite both groups trying, he was declared dead at the scene.[6]

An associate of Mr. Flashy in his early 20s is a suspect.[3]

Aftermath

Both Gardaí and local residents fear there might be reprisal attacks.[6]

Firebombing

On 21 May 2022 his mother and brother had to leave their house suddenly when it was firebombed at 2am in the morning.[8] The house was extensively damaged, as were two cars outside.[8] The family escaped without injury.[8] The attack is believed to be the work of the gang who killed James Whelan.[8]

References
  1. MacNamee, Gareth (4 April 2022). "James Whelan murder investigation: Gardaí probe organised crime link to fatal Finglas shooting". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
  2. Reynolds, Paul (4 April 2022). "Dublin shooting believed linked to gang feud". RTÉ News. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
  3. Foy, Ken (4 April 2022). "Close associate of 'Mr Flashy' blamed for being shooter in gangland murder". Irish Independent. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
  4. Schiller, Robin; Foy, Ken (4 April 2022). "Violent reprisals feared after country's first suspected gangland murder in over a year". Irish Independent. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
  5. Schiller, Robin (3 April 2022). "Man shot dead in suspected gangland killing named locally as gardai launch murder probe". Sunday Independent. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
  6. Lally, Conor (4 April 2022). "First killing in Finglas feud prompts fears of worsening gang violence". Irish Times. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
  7. MacNamee, Gareth (8 August 2019). "Gucci Gang raids: Garda chopper and armed units sent to north Dublin areas in gangland crackdown". Retrieved 4 April 2022.
  8. Bracken, Ali (21 May 2022). "Family home of murdered drug dealer James Whelan targeted in firebomb attack". Irish Independent.
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