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Bob Mackin

The tentacles of a notorious Irish drug cartel, whose leader was arrested April 17 in Dubai, reached all the way to Surrey.

Irish authorities are seeking the extradition from the United Arab Emirates of Daniel Joseph Kinahan of the Kinahan Family, which was also involved in global boxing promotions and briefly expanded to Canada.

Court documents in the California case against Vietnamese-Canadian drug trafficker Tien Vy Tai Truong say that Opinder Singh Sian met in February and March 2023 in Vancouver with a confidential source and mentioned his role in the cartel.

Surrey’s Sian introduced two male associates who said they had 500 kilograms of cocaine and needed help getting it through the Los Angeles ports, onward to Australia.

During a Feb. 1, 2023 meeting, the document said: “Sian explained more about his operations. Sian explained that in Canada he works with Irish organized crime, specifically, the Kinahan Family, Italian organized crime, and other Canadian organized crime groups. Sian also explained that he obtains drugs through contacts with drug cartels in Mexico and South America.”

According to Sian’s plea agreement from last November, he conspired to export methamphetamine from the Port of Long Beach to Sydney, Australia. From June to August 2023, he arranged for deliveries of 220.7 kg of methamphetamine to people who turned out to be DEA agents undercover.

Sian’s sentencing hearing is scheduled to continue May 11.

Boxing promoters

The Kinahans ran MTK Global Sports Management LLC out of Dubai. MTK hired a Toronto law firm to filed trademark applications with Industry Canada in May 2020 via the MTK Global Promotional Management Ltd. office in Glasgow, Scotland.

MTK also expanded to Alberta that year and the company began to recruit Canadian boxers.

But, in 2022, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned Christopher Vincent Kinahan Sr. and Jr., and Daniel Kinahan.

“Each member of the Kinahan Organized Crime Group reports to Daniel Kinahan, who is believed to run the day-to-day operations of the organization. Daniel Kinahan has instructed KOCG members to send money to a variety of individuals serving prison sentences, including a person convicted of attempted murder on behalf of the KOCG, and an individual imprisoned for murder on behalf of the KOCG. Daniel Kinahan, who sources large quantities of cocaine from South America, plays an integral part in organizing the supply of drugs in Ireland, and is attempting to facilitate the importation of cocaine into the United Kingdom. Daniel Kinahan is known to have used false identity documents.”

The Kinahans abruptly shut down MTK. The Canadian trademark application was abandoned in 2025.

In March of this year, Bellingcat and the Sunday Times reported that Daniel Kinahan and Christy Kinahan were photographed with ex-UFC fighter Mounir “The Sniper” Lazzez at the 971 Fighting Championship in Dubai in June 2025. Evidence that may have led to the April 17 arrest.

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Bob Mackin The tentacles of a notorious Irish

Miscellany, News, Sports

Bob Mackin

Soccer is taking centre stage at B.C. Place Stadium in June and July, during the FIFA World Cup.

But, on April 15, the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame highlighted the beautiful game when it named its class of 2026, including former Vancouver Whitecap Les Wilson, former women’s national team star Silvana Burtini and the 2006 W-League champion Vancouver Whitecaps women’s team.

Wilson graduated from the Westminster Royals to England’s Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1964. Burtini was a member of Canada’s first entry in a Women’s World Cup in 1995.

Vancouver Whitecaps women won the 2006 W-League championship at Swangard Stadium. Andrea Neil (number 5) was captain and assistant coach.

The honour for the 2006 Whitecaps means Andrea Neil is entering the hall for a third time. The 2007 team and 2012 individual inductee captained and assistant coached the two-time W-League champion. The 2006 roster included the core of the Canadian team that won gold at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics: Christine Sinclair, Sophie Schmidt and Erin McLeod.

To Neil, both Wilson and Burtini are trailblazers. Moreso for Burtini, who played internationally from 1997 to 2003 and was a link to the genesis of the program.

“When you look at the names, it’s a wonderful legacy,” Neil said. “It was the foundation for Canada’s Olympic success and later the [Northern Super League’s] Vancouver Rise.”

Class of 2026 roster

Athletes: Doug Brown (football), Justin Kripps (bobsleigh), Georgia Simmerling (cycling/skiing);

Builders/coaches: Ossie Chavarria (baseball), Jim Clive (beach volleyball), Barb Harris (field hockey)

Pioneer: Dr. Bruce Forster (sports medicine)

Media: John McKeachie

W.A.C. Bennett Award: John Mills

Team: 2006 Vancouver Whitecaps

Paige Adams, Dave Adolph (athletic therapist), Amber Allen, Sasha Andrews, Amy Apps, Sian Bagshawe, Taryne Boudreau, Kirsteen Buchan, Candace Chapman, Jaclyn Dunnet, Martina Franko, Natalie Groenewoud, Carey Gustafson, Randee Hermus, Eden Hingwing, Natalie Hirayama, Selenia Iacchelli, Kaylyn Kyle, Kara Lang, Bob Lenarduzzi (director of soccer operations), Ciara McCormack, Ashley McGhee, Erin McLeod, Amelie Mercier, Tiffany Milbrett, Andrea Neil (captain & assistant coach), Jan Peace (team doctor), Sari Raber, Erin Ramsay, Jodi Ann Robinson, Lindsay Rohla, Pat Rohla (assistant coach), Sophie Schmidt, Desiree Scott, Steve Simonson (assistant coach), Christine Sinclair, Rheanne Sleiman, Stephanie Smith, Katie Thorlakson, Brittany Timko, Diane Voice (manager), Stephanie Weston, Darren Woloshen (goalkeeper coach), Emily Zurrer.

Missing

Omitted from the Whitecaps’ honourees: head coach Bob Birarda.

Birarda was ineligible under B.C. Sports Hall of Fame bylaws due to a 2022 guilty plea to three counts of sexual assault and one count of touching a young person for a sexual purpose.

While managing the Whitecaps and assisting on the national team, several players complained of sexual harassment. Rather than firing Birarda outright and reporting him to police in October 2008, the Canadian Soccer Association and Whitecaps jointly agreed with Birarda for what they told reporters was a “mutual parting of ways.”

In 2008, Victor Montagliani was a CSA director and Peter Montopoli the general secretary. Fast forward to 2026 and Montagliani is a FIFA vice-president and Montopoli the chief tournament official for FIFA’s Canadian arm.

Hall closure

The B.C. Sports Hall of Fame will close May 13 and not reopen until after the World Cup.

FIFA will have full control of the stadium for two months.

Just like 2015’s FIFA Wormen’s World Cup, B.C.’s rich sport history — especially in soccer — will be inaccessible to visitors.

Odd timing

Days before FIFA takes control of B.C. Place Stadium, the CEO of the Crown corporation that manages it will retire.

B.C. Pavilion Corporation (PavCo) announced April 15 that Ken Cretney’s last day after 12 years as the top official is May 8.

CFO Rehana Din takes over the next day.

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Bob Mackin Soccer is taking centre stage at

News, Opinion

For the week of April 12, 2026: 

What’s really going on in Ottawa? Blacklock’s Reporter knows. While the major outlets chase politicians for soundbites, Tom Korski and his staff are digging and delivering daily scoops from the nation’s capital. 

Tom Korski, the managing editor of Blacklock’s Reporter, is Bob Mackin’s guest on this week’s edition of thePodcast. 

Plus Pacific Rim and Pacific Northwest headlines. 

CLICK BELOW to listen. Or go to TuneIn, Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Have you missed an edition of theBreaker.news Podcast? Go to the archive.

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For the week of April 12, 2026:  What's

Business, News

Bob Mackin

Police are tight-lipped after a reader of theBreaker.news snapped a photograph of officers searching a cell phone and computer repair store in Vancouver’s Kingsgate Mall on April 9.

The Mobilyf Cell Care Ltd. store was temporarily closed and the gate nearly closed while officers — some wearing plastic gloves — examined items and made notes.

The Mobilyf Cell Care Ltd. store was temporarily closed on April 9 during a police search for evidence. (theBreaker.news exclusive)

The photograph shows at least six plainclothes officers, most of whom wearing bulletproof vests emblazoned with “POLICE.”

Another is in full RCMP uniform, working on a laptop at the counter.

In the foreground, an open black box, possibly for evidence collection.

S. Sgt. Kris Clark, the senior public information officer with B.C. RCMP, said: “The search is in connection with an ongoing investigation.”

Ismail Syed, Mobilyf’s managing director, said the company is cooperating and still gathering information.

“From our understanding, the matter is not related to our business operations,” Syed told theBreaker.news. “As this is an active matter, we are not in a position to provide further details or participate in an interview at this time. We will be happy to provide clarification if and when appropriate.”

Mobilyf also has locations in Chilliwack, North Vancouver, Victoria and Cookstown, Ont.

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Bob Mackin Police are tight-lipped after a reader

News, Opinion

For the week of April 5, 2026: 

The MMA Panel — Mario Canseco, president of Research Co., Andy Yan, director of the City Program at Simon Fraser University, and host Bob Mackin — returns to analyze civic, provincial and federal trends after the first quarter of 2026.

Plus, a special Vancouver trivia quiz, to mark the 140th anniversary of the city’s April 6, 1886 incorporation. Recorded at the Main on Main. 

Plus Pacific Rim and Pacific Northwest headlines. 

CLICK BELOW to listen. Or go to TuneIn, Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Have you missed an edition of theBreaker.news Podcast? Go to the archive.

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For the week of April 5, 2026:  The

Business, News

Bob Mackin

The latest target of Xi Jinping’s purge is a government official who played a key role in advancing the Chinese Communist Party’s interests in British Columbia.

On April 3, Ma Xingrui became the third Politburo member since 2022 to come under Central Commission for Discipline Inspection suspicion for corruption.

In April 2015, Ma Xingrui meeting with B.C. Deputy Premier Rich Coleman (BC Gov/Flickr)

In 2021, the 66-year-old Ma was appointed party secretary for Xinjiang, the northwestern region where the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rightsfound widespread human rights violations against Uyghur Muslims.

Ma was removed from that job last July and slated to be reassigned.

The rocket scientist rose through party ranks, becoming director of the China National Space Administration in 2013 and chief commander of the Chang’e 3 unmanned mission to explore the Moon.

Ma was also director of the China Atomic Energy Authority and director of the State Administration for Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense.

Meetings with B.C. officials

In April 2015, as the CCP’s deputy secretary for Guangdong, Ma visited B.C. Deputy Premier Rich Coleman at the Parliament Buildings in Victoria, to mark the 20th anniversary of Guangdong-B.C. sister province relations.

A year later, Politburo member and Guangdong party secretary Hu Chunhua came to Vancouver and signed a memorandum of understanding with then-Premier Christy Clark in support of Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative.

John Horgan became premier in July 2017 after his NDP, with Green Party help, toppled Clark’s BC Liberal minority government on a confidence vote. Horgan’s first offshore trip in January 2018 included China, where he met with Ma, then the Governor of Guangdong.

In June 2018, China sent a 24-person entourage led by Politburo member Wang Chen, to discuss trade, tourism, education and climate change with Horgan. The meeting was two weeks after the Vancouver Convention Centre staged the 9th Conference of the World Guangdong Community Federation.

Is Ma corrupt?

No details of the charges against Ma have been released. He was last seen at October’s fourth plenum of the CCP Central Committee. It is the biggest move since January’s investigation of top general Zhang Youxia.

A Winnipeg human rights lawyer said in a 2015 interview that Xi’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign is really a “political pawn game” to benefit Xi himself.

“The Communist Party controls the country, it does it behind closed doors. The issue of choice around which the power struggle revolves is corruption,” said David Matas. “There is no system of law, there are courts and there is legislation, but the party controls the courts and the legislature, and the courts don’t control the party. There is no way, other than this power struggle, of dealing with corruption issues.”

Matas represented Lai Changxing, the businessman who fled to Canada in 1999, but was extradited to China in 2011 and jailed for bribery and smuggling.

Coincidentally

The investigation of Ma was announced as Liberal Minister of Finance Francois-Philippe Champagne ended a trade mission to China with Canadian government and business officials. The latest move since January when Prime Minister Mark Carney went to Beijing and declared a “strategic partnership” with China in reaction to Donald Trump’s trade war.

It was also two days after Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen and three Americans blasted into space on NASA’s Artemis II mission to circle the Moon. China is eyeing a manned lunar landing in 2030.

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Bob Mackin The latest target of Xi Jinping’s

Business, News

Bob Mackin

During his farewell speech March 29 as the NDP’s interim leader, Don Davies joked to conventioneers in Winnipegthat “you’ll have to catch me at Yuk Yuk’s next week in Vancouver.”

It appears the veteran Vancouver Kingsway MP will enjoy a drier climate for Easter Weekend.

A reader of theBreaker.news spotted Davies April 2 on Air Canada flight 1046 from Vancouver to Palm Springs, Calif.

The short clip shows Davies blissfully relaxing beside wife Sheryl. Just as you might expect him to be, days after handing over the party’s reins to newly elected ecosocialist Avi Lewis.

Davies made a higher-profile visit to YVR last year, when he joined striking Air Canada flight attendants on the CUPE picket line.

On his website, Davies implored Canadians to respond to Donald Trump’s hostility “by building a resilient and self-sufficient Canadian economy,” through buying Canadian and increasing interprovincial trade.

In April 2025, the leader of the B.C. NDP, Premier David Eby, urged British Columbians to avoid non-essential travel to the U.S. as a reaction to Trump’s trade war.

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Bob Mackin During his farewell speech March 29

Business, Miscellany, News, Sports

Bob Mackin

Global Affairs Canada held a high-level workshop in Ottawa to discuss the latest plans for FIFA World Cup 26 in Vancouver and Toronto.

On March 26, Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Thangaraj co-hosted federal security and border control officials, diplomats from countries sending teams to play in Toronto and Vancouver, and managers from FIFA’s Canadian office and Vancouver and Toronto city halls.

The agenda, obtained by theBreaker.news, included discussions on planning for the June 11-July 19 tournament, host city fan zones, transportation and accommodation, local human rights objectives, tournament security, emergency preparedness and visa and border procedures.

The delegation from FIFA included Peter Montopoli, the chief tournament officer for Canada, and Peter Code, the executive director for safety and security.

From Public Safety Canada, director general of prevention Craig Oldham and major events manager Ralph Ehlebracht. Also, Immigration Operations Branch director general Emina Tudakovic and Canada Border Services Agency director Jeff Davidson.

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Ehlebracht is a retired RCMP superintendent and former personal security officer to the Prime Minister who oversaw federal election security in 2019 and 2021.

Code is an ex-Toronto Police chief superintendent who led incident management at the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games and other major events in the city.

The security overview included talk about stadium code of conduct and efforts to mitigate human trafficking.

Political football

Will Canadians learn the total federal bill for the mega-event before it kicks off?

The federal contribution to hosting the tournament is officially $320 million. The RCMP has not released its overall security budget.

In January, the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) asked Canadian Heritage for copies of contracts and guarantees with FIFA, including federal tax exemptions.

But the PBO is in limbo and will not publish any new reports until its new leader is appointed.

The Carney Liberal government has nominated Annette Ryan, the deputy director of the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre (FINTRAC), to succeed interim PBO Jason Jacques. The Conservatives prefer keeping Jacques on the job.

“We continue to make progress on existing files and will resume full operations once an appointment is made,” PBO communications advisor Martine Perreault told theBreaker.news.

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Bob Mackin Global Affairs Canada held a high-level

Business, Miscellany, News

Bob Mackin

For the second time in just over a month, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and his ABC majority on city council voted down a FIFA World Cup accountability measure.

At the April 1 meeting, Councillors Pete Fry (Green) and Lucy Maloney (OneCity) tabled the Strengthening Vancouver’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Human Rights Action Plan with Measurable Standards, Reporting and Monitoring motion.

With support from the B.C. Civil Liberties Association and B.C. Poverty Reduction Coalition, Fry and Maloney wanted the Host City Committee to revise its Feb. 19-released Host City Human Rights Action Plan to protect the homeless from displacement.

They also proposed low-barrier day and night shelters be expanded. The third prong of the proposal called for civic safety and security authorities be required to conduct real-time tracking and reporting of interactions with the homeless and any human rights infractions.

Chantelle Spicer of the B.C. Poverty Reduction Coalition said the draft action plan “falls short of introducing any real human rights protection at all.”

Deputy City Manager Sandra Singh said the city relies on the provincial government for services to help the homeless and the World Cup is much smaller than the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.

Sim’s ABC majority voted down the proposal, 6-4, with Deputy Mayor Sarah Kirby-Yung (ABC) absent.

WATCH HIGHLIGHTS BELOW

On Feb. 25, Coun. Rebecca Bligh (Vote Vancouver) and COPE Coun. Sean Orr unsuccessfully proposed the FIFA Public Safety and Local Readiness Working Group.

Bligh said she wanted to get all security and safety management partners together with business improvement associations, hospitality organizations and community stakeholders to ensure the event succeeds.

The motion was rejected 6-3, with Bligh, Orr and Maloney in the minority. Fry and Lisa Dominato (ABC) were absent.

Vancouver hosts the FIFA Congress on April 30, seven matches at B.C. Place Stadium from June 13-July 7, and the FIFA Fan Festival at the PNE grounds on 26 of the 39 tournament days.

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Bob Mackin For the second time in just

Business, News

By Ardtus Aibrean

Bananas to replace the peelers at Brandi’s Exotic Show Lounge in Vancouver.

Artist rendering for the NDP’s Buy BC grocery store, to replace Brandi’s. (Lapuwale Architecture)

theBreaker.news has exclusively learned of a plan to turn the city’s most-famous upscale stripper bar at Hornby and Dunsmuir into a provincial supermarket under the NDP government’s Buy BC brand. 

After 26 years, Brandi’s announced last month that it will close May 4, due to a lease dispute. 

The government-run grocery concept has gained plenty of attention as the central planks of the winning campaigns for socialist populists, like New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and federal NDP leader Avi Lewis. 

It is largely untested, but the Eby NDP government appears ready to give it a go, by focusing on B.C.-grown and processed foods. 

Politically, the government is struggling to hold onto young left-wing voters burdened by high prices and enticed by the BC Greens, who veered left under 2025-elected, Gen Z leader Emily Lowan. 

The government already has expertise in its corner. It runs a retail chain of almost 200 B.C. Liquor stores, with a warehousing operation and contracted hauling. 

BC Hydro chair Glen Clark, the former NDP premier, was the right-hand man at Jim Pattison’s conglomerate that includes the Save-On-Foods chain. 

It is also understood that Ravi Kahlon’s Jobs ministry is proposing a retraining program, so that the laid-off Brandi’s dancers can become Buy BC store greeters.

A news conference is planned for April 1, just before noon. 

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By Ardtus Aibrean Bananas to replace the peelers

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