Drug Lord Allegedly Ordered Acid Attack Over Gambling Debt of $164K
Acid Attack Leading to Death in Connection with Gambling Debt
Ten individuals are currently facing trial after a man was violently attacked with acid in his home, an assault that led to his eventual death. The victim, 38-year-old Danny Cahalane, was allegedly targeted due to unpaid debts owed to a notorious drug lord.
The Victim and the Alleged Crime Boss
Danny Cahalane disclosed before his passing that he owed a substantial sum—GBP 120,000, equivalent to approximately $164,000—to a crime figure known as “Frost.” Prosecutors identified this individual as Ryan Kennedy, a reputed leader in Dubai’s criminal underworld.
The Incident and Legal Proceedings
The attack occurred in the early hours of February 21, 2025, when two attackers forcibly entered Cahalane’s home and poured acid on him. He succumbed to his injuries ten weeks later. The ten accused—seven men and three women—face charges including murder, manslaughter, attempted kidnapping, and involvement in a drug trafficking gang.
Among those standing trial is Paris Wilson, 35, who is both Cahalane’s former wife and the mother of one of his children.
Evidence Presented to the Jury
The jury reviewed messages between Paris Wilson and her mother, in which Wilson expressed concern over the drug lord’s escalating anger over the unpaid debt. It was revealed that both Wilson and Kennedy’s associates were actively trying to locate Cahalane’s residence.
Wilson is believed to have eventually disclosed Cahalane’s address to the crime boss, motivated by the prospect of a financial reward.
The court also heard threatening messages from Kennedy directed at Cahalane, including texts warning of dire consequences such as: “You’re gonna die… You just need to die… You done me £80K… they coming up now.”
Prosecutor Jo Martin KC described a failed earlier attempt on January 19, 2025, when Kennedy’s men tried to break into Cahalane’s home to kill him. Following that failed attempt, Kennedy sent a threatening follow-up message stating: “Close call? Mate, I’m telling you they gonna burn houses down and you’re gonna die.”
Victim’s Role and Gambling-related Debt
According to the prosecution, Cahalane informed the police that he held a position akin to “middle management” within Kennedy’s drug distribution network. However, significant gambling losses played a key role in the conflict, as Cahalane is said to have gambled away a large sum of money belonging to Kennedy. Additionally, he suspected one of his subordinates had embezzled money from the drug empire.
