The body found in a burnt-out car in west Dublin on Monday night is suspected by gardai to be that of missing Lucan man Wayne Whelan.
The victim - which a postmortem confirmed today had been blasted to death - was discovered in a burning Toyota Corolla car in Mount Andrew Rise in Lucan.
The deceased - who is believed to have been driven to his death by someone he trusted - was shot dead while sitting in the passenger seat of the car before it was set alight.
And a source revealed that the victim of the gruesome gangland killing is believed to be Whelan - and that there is no other line of inquiry.
However, Gardai have yet to officially confirm the identity of the dead man.
Superintendent Paul Dolan said at a press briefing in Lucan Garda Station today: "The body has been identified as that of a male [who] died as a result of gunshot wounds.
"An Garda Siochana is working to identify this person and all I can say at this stage is that we are following a specific line of inquiry in relation to that.”
Gardai are appealing for any information regarding the navy Toyota Corolla in which the murdered man was found.
Supt Dolan added: "I am appealing for any person who has seen this car or knows of its whereabouts since the 13th November to contact investigating Gardaí.
“I am also appealing to any person in Mount Andrew Estate, who saw this car or to any person who witnessed or has dashcam footage in relation to the incident on Monday night 18th November 2019.
"To help assist people in their recollection, the Ireland v Denmark International Soccer match was taking place at the time."
Whelan, 42, is understood to have been repeatedly shot in the head by someone sitting in the back seat of the car.
The dad-of-three had less than three months ago.
Earlier, a Garda spokesman revealed that the Corolla in which the man died had the registration number 05 CW 2225.
He added: "It's understood this car was sold on Wednesday, 13th November, 2019.”
