Irish officials are ramping up efforts to extradite Daniel Kinahan, the alleged boss of the Kinahan organised crime syndicate, from Dubai back to Ireland. Kinahan, now in his late 40s, was arrested in the United Arab Emirates in April on an Irish arrest warrant for alleged serious organised crime offences.
Legal Battles and Diplomatic Steps
Extradition efforts have intensified after Kinahan reportedly lost legal challenges in Dubai to block the process. Sources within Irish authorities stressed that no timetable has been set for his return, as several diplomatic steps remain before the extradition can be finalised. Kinahan's arrest was carried out under a bilateral extradition agreement between Ireland and the United Arab Emirates.
Kinahan Cartel and Feud
Dublin's High Court previously identified Kinahan, a long-time UAE resident, as a senior member of an organised crime group involved in international drug trafficking and firearms offences. The Kinahan cartel was engaged in a feud with the rival Hutch gang in Ireland that began in 2015 and resulted in 18 deaths. In 2016, there was an assassination attempt on Kinahan at a boxing weigh-in at the Regency Hotel in Dublin.
Boxing Controversy and US Reward
Kinahan's involvement in boxing sparked controversy in 2020 when heavyweight Tyson Fury thanked him for brokering a fight with Anthony Joshua. Fury declared that Kinahan was behind organising "the biggest fight in British boxing history." However, weeks later, Fury's camp said Kinahan would no longer handle negotiations on his behalf. In 2022, US authorities offered a reward of up to $5 million (€4.3 million/£3.7 million) for Kinahan's capture.
Garda Statement
A Garda spokesperson said: "An Garda Síochána has been steadfast in our determination that we would pursue those allegedly involved in serious organised criminal activity, wherever they go." The spokesperson added: "An Garda Síochána has developed many major international partnerships in our efforts to target transnational organised crime groups. Our relationship with the authorities in the United Arab Emirates, the Ministry of Justice at judicial level, and on a police-to-police basis, is valued."
