Suspected crime boss Daniel Kinahan is being extradited from Dubai to Ireland to face justice, after the Dubai Court of Cassation approved the extradition request. The Dublin boxing promoter, in his late 40s, is an alleged leader of the Kinahan organised crime group.
Kinahan was arrested in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in April on foot of an arrest warrant issued by the Irish courts in relation to alleged serious organised crime offences. The Irish Government jet departed Casement aerodrome in Baldonnel, Dublin, on Saturday morning and landed in Dubai that night, leaving the UAE just after 10am on Sunday.
Court appearance and charges
Kinahan is expected to appear before the Special Criminal Court in Dublin on Sunday evening, where he will face a charge of directing an organised crime group. The extradition was welcomed in a joint statement by the justice ministers of Ireland and the UAE.
Jim O'Callaghan and Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi said the Irish national was 'regarded as one of the most high-profile individuals sought for prosecution in connection with transnational organised crime'. The final decision followed a formal request by Irish authorities and a judgment by the Dubai Court of Cassation, in accordance with the extradition treaty between the two countries.
International co-operation
The ministers added that the decision 'reflects the steadfast commitment of both countries to the rule of law and reinforces international judicial co-operation'. They said it 'sends a clear message that suspected perpetrators of serious and organised crime will find no safe haven from justice, reaffirming the shared determination of both countries to ensure that such individuals are brought before the courts'.
Mr O'Callaghan expressed Ireland's 'deep appreciation for the support of the United Arab Emirates in handling the extradition request', and commended the 'professionalism, efficiency and diligence demonstrated by the UAE judicial authorities throughout the extradition proceedings'. He said: "This decision is another landmark of judicial co-operation between the two countries and reflects the strength of our partnership to address transnational organised crime."
Mr Al Nuaimi said: "I reaffirm the United Arab Emirates' commitment to further strengthening judicial co-operation with Irish authorities, and continuing to enhance our judicial partnerships with the international community. This achievement reflects the UAE's position as a trusted international partner in the field of international judicial co-operation and underscores the steadfast commitment we have to supporting global efforts to combat transnational organised crime, bring perpetrators of serious crimes to justice, and prevent them from evading accountability, thereby contributing to regional and international security and stability, and reinforcing the rule of law."
Related case in Spain
In April, the Manchester Evening News reported how Johnny Morrisey, a former Rochdale doorman named in US sanctions documents as an alleged associate of the Kinahan cartel, remains on bail in Spain almost four years after his arrest on the Costa del Sol. Mr Morrissey, now 65, was held during a dawn raid on his apartment in Marbella in September 2022. He remained in custody until his release in June 2024 after paying a 60,000 Euros (£51,000) bail bond and handing over his passport, agreeing to an international travel ban. Almost four years after his arrest, he remains under investigation, which we reported in April remains live and has been expanded. He was among 20 people being investigated.
