Northern Ireland

BBC Panorama team threatened following Daniel Kinahan programme

Daniel Kinahan has been named in the Irish courts as the head of one of Europe's most prominent drug cartels
Daniel Kinahan has been named in the Irish courts as the head of one of Europe's most prominent drug cartels Daniel Kinahan has been named in the Irish courts as the head of one of Europe's most prominent drug cartels

A journalist has been threatened after he helped produce a BBC Panorama programme about a suspected crime boss's influence in world boxing.

The PSNI warned about an unspecified threat from criminals over a programme about Daniel Kinahan, broadcast on Monday.

The Northern Ireland-based journalist and his family have been forced to move out of their home to a secure location.

The documentary focused on Mr Kinahan’s links to organised crime and his involvement in the world of boxing.

Mr Kinahan has been named in the Irish courts as the head of one of Europe's most prominent drug cartels.

His involvement in boxing caused an outcry last summer when world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury publicly thanked him for setting up a title fight with fellow British champion Anthony Joshua.

Mr Kinahan later said he would no longer negotiate Mr Fury's fights. He also said he was stepping away from boxing.

The programme led to calls for tighter regulation of the sport.

Although some in boxing have defended Mr Kinahan's involvement.

Jo Carr, the BBC's head of current affairs, said: "The BBC places the utmost priority on the safety of our teams, whose journalism plays a vital role in a free society. It is despicable and intolerable if thugs think they can muzzle a free press through intimidation.

"We will continue to throw light into even the murkiest of corners."

Mr Kinahan's lawyer told the programme he has no criminal record or convictions and the allegations about him being a crime boss are false and have no evidential basis.

The lawyer said: "In so far as our client's record in boxing is concerned, he is proud of his record in boxing to date."