Daniel Kinahan, alleged leader of the Kinahan organised crime group, has been arrested in the United Arab Emirates. Irish police confirmed they were aware of the arrest of a man in his late 40s, on foot of an arrest warrant issued by the Irish courts in relation to alleged serious organised crime offences.
The Gardaí said the arrest was in accordance with the bilateral agreement on extradition between Ireland and the UAE. The Dubliner, who lives in the UAE, had previously insisted he had no criminal convictions and denies any involvement in organised crime.
A Garda statement described the arrest as an 'important demonstration of the need for international law enforcement cooperation in tackling transnational organised crime'. It added: 'An Garda Síochána has been steadfast in our determination that we would pursue those allegedly involved in serious organised criminal activity, wherever they go.'
Dubai police said they had arrested an 'Irish fugitive for his alleged role in an international organised crime network'. A spokesperson said the arrest followed receipt of a judicial file from Irish authorities, and that specialised teams captured the suspect within 48 hours of a warrant being issued by Dubai public prosecution.
Kinahan is the founder of MTK Global boxing management, which previously represented Billy Joe Saunders and Tyson Fury. In 2016, an attempt was made on his life at a boxing weigh-in in Dublin. Irish minister Jim O'Callaghan said the arrest followed his request for extradition, noting that the UAE and Ireland have worked closely on criminal investigations, including bilateral treaties on extradition and mutual legal assistance.
