Australian Pilot's Cocaine-Plane Crash Links to Kinahan Cartel
Australian pilot Timothy James Clark has died in a plane crash in Brazil, with approximately 200kg of cocaine on board. Investigators estimated the street value of the seized drugs to be AUD $65 million, suggesting links to an organized crime syndicate.
Clark's plane was modified for long-distance flights, possibly with a third engine installed. It was found with its transponder turned off, raising suspicions. The aircraft was also equipped with additional fuel tanks, indicating a planned long journey.
Investigators discovered connections between Clark and Oliver Andreas Herrmann, an associate of the Kinahan cartel charged with cocaine trafficking. Bellingcat found shared social media accounts and travel reviews linking the two. Clark was also an X follower of Adam Wood, another known associate of Christy Kinahan in Africa. Clark's Google Maps profile, under the alias 'John Smithe', confirmed his identity and revealed links to Kinahan's activities in Zimbabwe.
Before his arrest, Herrmann allegedly met a small aircraft at a remote airstrip. Although no aircraft was seized by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), investigators estimated the street value of the seized cocaine to be AUD $65 million, suggesting an organized crime syndicate was involved.
The Brazilian authorities are currently investigating the circumstances of Clark's flight and cocaine trafficking. While no specific individual linked to Clark has been directly associated with the Kinahan cartel, the evidence suggests connections to the notorious criminal organization. The AFP continues to work with international partners to dismantle the suspected crime syndicate.
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