Three houses associated with the son of slain Limerick gangster are proceeds of crime

Kieran Keane Jr, believed to reside in Dubai or Spain, and his girlfriend Laura Flanagan, of Garryowen, Co Limerick, have had receivers appointed to two houses, the cars, and €101,000 in an AIB account after the High Court determined that Mr. Keane had no discernible source of income.

Mr. Keane Jr.’s father was Limerick feud gangster Kieran Keane Sr., murdered in January 2003, and he is the nephew of convicted drug dealer Christy Keane.

Mr. Justice Alexander Owens stated that CAB could apply for receivership over the Garryowen property occupied by Ms. Flanagan and her family at the next hearing, at which time any stay application will be considered.

Shelley Horan, counsel for CAB, informed the court that a forensic analysis of the couple’s finances revealed that travel expenses from their bank account included trips to Lithuania for cosmetic surgery, to Spain, Dubai, and Lapland between 2010 and 2019.

At the High Court, Mr. Justice Owens ruled that three Limerick properties, from which Mr. Keane benefited but had no official ownership of, were the proceeds of crime.

Ms. Horan told the judge that “absolutely nothing is offered for the source of funds for the seven assets subject to this case.”

Ms. Horan stated that a CAB financial analyst estimated approximately €289,000 in unaccounted-for refurbishments had been made to one of the three Limerick properties.

Mr. Justice Owens ruled that three cars, an Audi A4 (since sold by CAB), a Skoda Octavia, and a VW Amarok, were also proceeds of crime that had been in Mr. Keane Jr.’s possession.

Mr. Justice Owens noted regarding the AIB account that they appeared to be “living on fresh air” due to the lack of bank records for regular, everyday expenses.

The judge reasoned that if Mr. Keane were living in Dubai for several years, he must have funds to cover his expenses, or he would be incarcerated.

The judge acknowledged that Ms. Flanagan and her children resided at the family home in Garryowen and that removing them from their family environment would be “clearly disruptive,” a factor he had to consider.

Mr. Justice Owens stated that Mr. Keane Jr. had resided outside the jurisdiction for several years without any present intention to return, but he “envisaged” Mr. Keane Jr. doing so in the future as his partner and children lived in Ireland.

The judge affirmed his satisfaction, based on a “comprehensive” CAB investigation, that all three Garryowen properties were “derived from the proceeds of crime” acquired in “cash under the table deals.”

Regarding a separate, fourth property (not involved in the High Court proceedings and since sold by the couple), the judge stated that “one cannot see where the money for that came from.”

The judge noted that a CAB accounting analyst reported that the property was purchased as a “shell” after being burned out and that €180,000 was spent on renovations.

“One can see from the photos it is anything but a shell. It was totally renovated and sold off,” the judge remarked.

Mr. Justice Owens noted that Mr. Keane Jr. contended that the money in the AIB account derived, in part, from the sale of motor cars from his garage, but the firm never filed any tax returns.

“It is impossible to see any legitimate source for the working capital,” he stated.

Mr Justice Owens stated that a lifestyle analysis carried out by CAB made it “clear” that Mr Keane Jr did not have the money to purchase the cars.

The judge accepted CAB officers’ belief evidence on affidavit that Mr. Keane Jr. had allegedly associated with several known criminals and was an alleged “driving force” in organised crime.

“It is likely that this criminal organisation is the source of funds used for all of these properties,” the judge concluded.

Mr. Justice Owens awarded costs solely against Mr. Keane Jr. and noted that neither Mr. Keane Jr. nor Ms. Flanagan were on free legal aid.