Daniel Kinahan, accused of being an organised crime boss, has woken up behind bars in a high-security Irish prison following several years of living in Dubai. The 49-year-old was flown to Ireland on an Irish Government jet on Sunday and taken under high-speed Garda escort to court in Dublin, where he was charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation.
Without legal representation, the Dublin man was remanded into custody and pictured in the back of a police vehicle as he was transported to the maximum-security Portlaoise Prison in the Irish midlands. He is likely to be housed on A wing, alongside some of the most high-profile inmates and others awaiting trial at the Special Criminal Court.
Arrest and Extradition
Kinahan, accused of being a chief of the Kinahan organised crime group, was arrested in the United Arab Emirates on April 15 following a warrant issued by Irish courts. The arrest was executed under a bilateral extradition agreement between Ireland and the UAE. After the aircraft departed Dubai on Sunday, the justice ministers of both countries hailed the extradition in a joint statement.
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 extradition followed a formal request by Irish authorities, with the final decision issued after a judgment by the Dubai Court of Cassation.
Court Appearance
Crowds gathered outside Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel and the Special Criminal Court to catch a glimpse of Kinahan, who was the target of a gun attack at a boxing weigh-in in Dublin in 2016. Inside the courtroom, the dock was inspected by gardaí before he appeared, flanked by several officers, for a 14-minute hearing.
Judge Fiona Lydon, Judge Patrick McGrath and Ms Justice Sarah Berkeley presided. Kinahan told the court he had been isolated since Friday afternoon and believed a family member would have contacted a legal representative. He showed no reaction when charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation between October 18, 2015, and April 6, 2017.
Detective Sergeant Colin Davidson said he arrested Kinahan at Casement Aerodrome at 6.49pm on Sunday based on a warrant issued by Irish courts. Judge McGrath informed Kinahan the case would next be heard on October 5, and that a bail application would need to be made to the High Court. Kinahan replied: "I understand. I think we know I won't be getting bail, but thank you." He said he would decide later whether to attend in person or via video link.
