A decade-long investigation has reached a dramatic turning point, as an alleged crime boss leaves Dubai to face Irish authorities.
The United Arab Emirates has handed over Daniel Kinahan, the alleged leader of an Irish crime gang, to Irish authorities, the UAE state news agency WAM reported, citing a joint statement.
Kinahan, who was arrested in Dubai in April, was named in 2022 as one of three leaders of the Kinahan Organized Crime Group. The U.S. government offered a $5 million reward for their arrests.
According to Reuters, the agency was not immediately able to obtain comments from Kinahan’s representatives on Sunday. Kinahan’s lawyer told the BBC in 2021 that he had no convictions or criminal record and that allegations that he led an organized crime group were false.
The UAE’s decision came after a ruling by a Dubai court and was based on an extradition agreement between the UAE and Ireland.
Kinahan is considered one of the most wanted individuals in cases involving transnational organized crime,
– WAM
He is charged with leading an organized crime group, murder, and drug trafficking, in accordance with an official request submitted by the Irish authorities,
– Joint statement by the UAE and Ireland
Irish police did not immediately comment on Sunday.
Context and next steps
Kinahan, who has lived in Dubai for the past 10 years, will be arrested upon arrival in Ireland following years of investigations by the Garda National Drugs and Organized Crime Bureau, the Irish Times reported.
He is expected to be charged with leading an organized crime group when he appears before the Special Criminal Court in Dublin on Sunday evening, the newspaper added.
According to flight-tracking data, an Irish government aircraft landed in Dubai on Saturday and departed for Ireland at 09:20 GMT on Sunday.
The extradition highlights close cooperation between the UAE and Ireland in combating transnational crime and reflects efforts to investigate the activities of international criminal groups.
The extradition of Daniel Kinahan demonstrates strong cooperation between the UAE and Ireland in combating transnational crime and underscores their joint efforts to investigate the activities of international criminal groups.