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Daniel Kinahan is due to be returned to Ireland in the coming weeks after his latest attempt to block extradition was rejected, sources report. The decision clears the way for his transfer from the UAE to face charges at the Special Criminal Court.
Arrest and legal challenge
Irish authorities issued an arrest warrant earlier this year, and Kinahan was detained in the United Arab Emirates on that basis. He has remained at the Al Awir Central prison complex since his arrest while legal avenues to prevent his return were exhausted.
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The 40-something accused, who has lived in Dubai with his father, Christy Kinahan Sr., since 2016 after leaving Spain, lodged a series of appeals. Media reports on Thursday said his most recent extradition challenge failed.
Planned return and security preparations
Officials expect the extradition to be completed within weeks and large-scale security arrangements are being put in place. An Garda Síochána is coordinating with the Defence Forces, the Department of Justice, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Air Corps ahead of the transfer.
RTÉ has reported that the Irish Prison Service recently acquired a new escort vehicle described as both bomb-proof and bulletproof. The broadcaster said the van is likely to be used to move Kinahan to and from court during proceedings at the Special Criminal Court.
Background and broader context
The Irish High Court has labelled Kinahan a “senior figure in organised crime on a global scale.” The Criminal Assets Bureau has identified him as the controller of what it calls the Kinahan cartel.
His arrest came soon after a bilateral extradition treaty between Ireland and the UAE took effect in May. The treaty has already been used: Sean McGovern was the first person extradited under the agreement and pleaded guilty at the non-jury Special Criminal Court in March to directing a criminal organisation.
With extradition cleared, the focus now shifts to the forthcoming trial and the significant security task of bringing a high-risk defendant into the Irish justice system.
