Daniel Kinahan, the alleged leader of the Kinahan organised crime group, has been arrested in Dubai on an Irish warrant for serious organised crime offences. Irish police confirmed the arrest of the man in his late 40s, who had been living in the United Arab Emirates.
The arrest was carried out under the bilateral extradition agreement between Ireland and the UAE. Gardaí stated the arrest was an “important demonstration of the need for international law enforcement cooperation in tackling transnational organised crime”. The force added that they had been steadfast in pursuing those allegedly involved in serious criminal activity wherever they go.
Dubai police said they had arrested an “Irish fugitive” within 48 hours of receiving a judicial file from Irish authorities. A spokesperson said specialised teams launched intensive search and surveillance operations leading to his capture.
Kinahan, who previously insisted he had no criminal convictions and denied involvement in organised crime, is the founder of MTK Global boxing management. The company once represented boxers including 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 commented that the arrest followed his request for extradition and highlighted the close cooperation between Ireland and the UAE, including bilateral treaties on extradition and mutual legal assistance signed in 2025.
