Suspected crime boss, Daniel Kinahan, an Irish national, has been arrested in the United Arab Emirates over alleged serious organised crime offences.
Kinahan, believed to be in his 40s, was detained in Dubai under a warrant issued by the Irish courts, according to reports by RTÉ.
The United States government had earlier imposed sanctions on him in April 2022, identifying him and members of his family as leading figures in the Kinahan organised crime cartel.
He also had notable links to professional boxing through his now-defunct management outfit, MTK Global, which once represented over 100 fighters, including Tyson Fury and Carl Frampton.
Ireland’s police force, An Garda Síochána, confirmed it is aware of the arrest of an Irish citizen.
Authorities in Dubai disclosed that the operation was carried out on Wednesday, 15 April, following intensive surveillance and search efforts.
Police in the emirate stated that the suspect, described as an Irish fugitive, was apprehended for his alleged involvement in an international organised crime network.
The arrest forms part of broader international efforts aimed at tackling cross-border criminal activities.
Officials said the move followed the submission of a judicial file from Irish authorities, outlining Kinahan’s alleged crimes and links to a global criminal organisation.
Based on this documentation, Dubai Public Prosecution issued a warrant, initiating legal steps ahead of possible extradition proceedings.
Kinahan was reportedly tracked down and arrested within 48 hours of the warrant being issued.
Gardaí noted that the arrest aligns with the bilateral extradition agreement between Ireland and the United Arab Emirates, adding that the matter remains under the jurisdiction of UAE authorities for now.
In a statement An Garda Síochána said, “Today’s arrest is another extremely important demonstration of the need for international law enforcement co-operation in tackling transnational organised crime.”
Ireland’s Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, welcomed the development.
He said, “Today’s arrest follows my request to the UAE for extradition of this individual to face charges in Ireland.
“I would like to commend all involved in today’s development, which is the result of tireless work.”
Kinahan had previously been identified at Dublin’s High Court as the head of a major drug cartel.
On February 5, 2016, he survived an assassination attempt during the infamous Regency Hotel shooting.
During that attack, his associate David Byrne was killed, while two others sustained gunshot injuries.
The incident marked a significant escalation in the violent Hutch-Kinahan feud, which has claimed at least 18 lives.
Kinahan had previously lived extensively in Spain’s Costa del Sol, but is believed to have relocated permanently to Dubai following the Regency Hotel attack.
