09.08.2026 01:10
Daniel Kinahan, leader of the Kinahan Cartel and one of Ireland's most wanted fugitives, is being extradited from the United Arab Emirates after more than a decade on the run. With a government plane landing in Dubai for the handover, the 49-year-old drug baron is expected to be brought to Ireland on Sunday and brought before the Special Criminal Court.
The button has been pressed to extradite 49-year-old Daniel Kinahan, described as one of Ireland's most wanted fugitives. As a government aircraft lands in Dubai, Kinahan is expected to be brought to Ireland on Sunday after more than 10 years on the run and brought before a judge at the Special Criminal Court.
GOVERNMENT AIRCRAFT LANDS IN DUBAI
The Irish government has launched a special security operation for the extradition of Daniel Kinahan, who is alleged to be one of the leaders of the Kinahan Cartel organized crime group. As the government aircraft that took off from Ireland arrived in Dubai, Kinahan is expected to be handed over from the United Arab Emirates authorities to Irish security forces.
Kinahan is planned to be brought to Baldonnel/Casement Aerodrome near Dublin on Sunday and formally arrested by Irish officials as soon as he steps off the plane.
WILL RETURN TO IRELAND AFTER 10 YEARS
Kinahan, 49, had been living in Dubai for many years. Detained in Dubai in April 2026 at the request of Irish authorities, Kinahan had launched a legal battle against the extradition process. However, after his appeals were rejected, the way was cleared for his return to Ireland.
Kinahan's last visit to Ireland was in 2016, when he came for the funeral of David Byrne, who was killed in the Regency Hotel attack.
ACCUSED OF DIRECTING AN ORGANIZED CRIME GANG
The Irish Prosecution Service wants Kinahan to be tried on charges of directing the activities of an organized crime group between 2015 and 2017. While the prosecution is expected to proceed on a single main charge, it is reported that the file contains evidence linked to serious crimes such as murders, attempted murders, drug trafficking, and money laundering.
Irish police allege that Kinahan communicated with senior figures in the organization to direct criminal activities, and that encrypted messages in particular form significant evidence in the investigation.
AT THE CENTER OF A BLOODY GANG WAR
Daniel Kinahan, described as one of the key figures in the bloody conflict between the Kinahan Cartel and the Hutch gang, is alleged to have played a role in the retaliations following the 2016 Regency Hotel attack.
In the attack at the Regency Hotel, Kinahan Cartel member David Byrne was killed, and in the ensuing bloody conflict between the two groups that lasted for years, many people lost their lives.
TIGHT SECURITY MEASURES AT COURT
Comprehensive security measures are being prepared for Kinahan's return to Ireland. Armed police are expected to be on duty during the hearing at the Special Criminal Court, and it is stated that Kinahan will later be sent to the high-security Portlaoise Prison.
Irish authorities have put in place extensive security measures, including special armored vehicles, against the possibility of Kinahan, who will be brought back to the country after years as a fugitive, attempting to escape.
US HAD PLACED A $5 MILLION BOUNTY ON HIM
The US had promised a $5 million reward to anyone providing information that would lead to the capture of the leaders of the Irish crime organization Kinahan.