Known in criminal circles as “The Monk,” Gerry Hutch, 58, is wanted by Ireland for allegedly participating in the vengeful murder of a member of the Kinahan cartel, whilst disguised as a policeman, according to a Civil Guard press release from Tuesday.
The killing was an act of revenge for the death of Hutch’s nephew. This sparked a war between the two gangs that has taken some 20 lives, according to Spanish police.
In a video documenting Hutch’s arrest by the Civil Guard, officers are shown converging on him from all sides while he is sitting in a restaurant. After being apprehended, he is cuffed and led to the bathroom to be searched. Police discover an ID card and a passport. He is then taken away in police custody.
The documents were revealed to have been forgeries used by Hutch to pass himself off as a Croatian tourist, according to the Irish Mirror.
Spanish authorities report that Hutch had managed to slip in and out of surveillance for some time. After originally escaping pursuit in the Canary Islands back in April, he was found again in the Costa del Sol. From there, police tracked Hutch to the town of Fuengirola, where he was arrested.
Hutch had employed tradecraft so as to minimize his risk of exposure. He established logistics networks while in hiding to procure what he needed; when forced to venture out, he would make numerous stops to check for surveillance, according to authorities.
Hutch is described by police as one of Ireland’s most dangerous criminals.
