John Gilligan freed from Spanish prison after €10,000 bail deal

Ireland’s notorious crime boss walks free after nine months behind bars, but legal battles continue

After being held for nine months, 73-year-old John Gilligan posted bail of €10,000 and walked free from prison earlier this month. Known as ‘Factory John’ for his criminal past, Gilligan’s time behind bars was tough. Leaked messages revealed a desperate man struggling for legal costs, with friends saying he was “washed up” and broke. 

According to former Garda detective Noel Browne, who investigated Gilligan for decades, "Word started to spread around that he was trying to call in debts... he was annoying people. When you start annoying certain people, there is a strong possibility that he would be getting some sort of retribution." 

Now out, he now appears more cautious but determined, aware of the consequences he faces. Gilligan faces restrictions including surrendering his passport and regular court check-ins. His exact whereabouts remain unclear but he is expected to stay near the Costa Blanca region.

Gilligan remains under investigation for his alleged involvement in a pink cocaine drug laboratory discovered in December 2024 near Torrevieja. Police believe the lab could have produced drugs worth up to €8 million. During the raid, a revolver was also found cleverly hidden in the property. This lab bust was part of a sweeping operation involving Spanish anti-drug forces and the UK’s National Crime Agency.

Gilligan’s criminal reputation was marked by violent incidents including his alleged involvement in the 1996 murder of journalist Veronica Guerin. Though acquitted of the killing, her brutal murder while investigating Gilligan’s gang marked a turning point. Retired Garda detective Noel Browne, who investigated the case, said Gilligan was given a so-called ‘assassination note’ warning of threats to his life. After his release from an Irish prison in October 2013, Gilligan narrowly survived a shooting attack in March 2014, believed to be ordered by rival gangs.

Legal troubles extend to Gilligan’s son Darren, who failed to appear at a Spanish court in October 2022. This no-show resulted in a suspended trial for Gilligan and an international arrest warrant being issued for Darren in April 2023.

While free on bail, Gilligan’s future remains uncertain. He carries a suspended sentence from a cannabis trafficking plea deal in September 2023 and faces further charges linked to the pink cocaine lab bust. Court officials are expected to provide updates on his bail terms and ongoing investigations soon.

Gilligan’s long criminal saga, stretching decades and nations, continues under intense scrutiny from Spanish and international authorities.

Image: Matthew Ansley/Unsplash