Irish Government jet flying extradited Daniel Kinahan to Dublin

An Irish Government jet has left Dubai for Dublin, amid the extradition of alleged gangland figure Daniel Kinahan.

It comes after the arrest in April in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of the Dublin boxing promoter who is an alleged leader of the Kinahan organised crime group.

Mr Kinahan, in his late 40s, was detained on foot of an arrest warrant issued by the Irish courts in relation to alleged serious organised crime offences.

The Irish Government jet took off from Casement aerodrome in Baldonnel on the outskirts of Dublin on Saturday morning, touching down in Dubai that night.

It left the UAE just after 10am on Sunday.

Mr 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.

In a joint statement the justice ministers for Ireland and the UAE welcomed the extradition.

Jim O’Callaghan and Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi said the Irish national being extradited was “regarded as one of the most high-profile individuals sought for prosecution in connection with transnational organised crime”.

They confirmed the extradition after a formal request submitted by Irish authorities, and the final decision was issued following a judgment by the Dubai Court of Cassation, in accordance with the extradition treaty between the two countries.

The two ministers added that the final extradition decision “reflects the steadfast commitment of both countries to the rule of law and reinforces international judicial co-operation”.

They said the decision “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”.

“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,” he said.

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.”

Published: 09/08/2026 by Radio NewsHub