George Mitchell (Irish criminal)

George Mitchell, nicknamed The Penguin, is an Irish criminal originally from Drimnagh.

Criminal history Early criminal history He started as a driver for Jacob's but got involved in robberies with associates of Martin Cahill. His gunman Michael Boyle was caught after a botched murder attempt in London, leaving him feeling vulnerable. Mitchell had claimed in court that he was the victim of a "set up" by Irish police, who had tipped off Dutch authorities about the robbery, after he had refused to become an informant.

Encrypted phone business In 2015 Mitchell approached Herman-Johan Xennt about setting up an encrypted phone business. Mitchell had known Xennt since at least 1998, when Mitchell was arrested for handling stolen computer parts.

Links to Hutch and Kinahan gangs He has had links with the gangs led by Christy Kinahan and Gerry Hutch but after the Regency Hotel attack he made it clear to the Kinahan gang that he did not want to be dragged into their feud.