The manager of a Scottish vodka company, Nicola Morrissey, 49, who has connections to the infamous Kinahan crime cartel, has been seen publicly in Marbella, Spain, for the first time since her arrest. Accompanied by her husband, Johnny ‘Cash’ Morrissey, 65, the couple was spotted dining at an Indian restaurant near their luxurious residence.

The Morrisseys were arrested as part of a global investigation led by the U.S., where Johnny is accused of laundering over £170 million for the Kinahan crime gang. This group is linked to a turf war currently affecting Glasgow and Edinburgh. Meanwhile, Nicola’s vodka company, Nero Drinks, continues to operate from a discreet office in Glasgow. A source revealed that Nicola’s family is concerned about escalating gang-related violence in Scotland and is relieved she is in Spain.

Previously, Nicola had registered her business at a family property but later shifted it to a more anonymous location. Since her arrest, she has not returned to Scotland and seems to be aware of the violent disputes driven by the Kinahan network.

Nicola, originally from Stepps, Lanarkshire, founded her drinks company seven years ago, with ties to high-profile events and sponsorships such as the Hamilton Academical football club and the Marbella International Film Festival. The company has been associated with luxury and celebrity circles, but authorities have now deemed it a front for the cartel’s operations in the U.S.

After her and Johnny’s arrests in April 2022, Nicola was released without charges, while Johnny was granted bail amid ongoing investigations. Their lavish lifestyle includes a £4.5 million mansion and another villa in Costa del Sol. The couple’s connection to the Kinahan cartel has put them in the limelight, leading to concerns over their safety amidst increasing violence in Scotland.