Suspected crime boss Daniel Kinahan has been arrested in the United Arab Emirates in relation to alleged serious organised crime offences.
Kinahan, aged in his 40s, was arrested in Dubai under a warrant issued by the Irish courts, Irish national broadcaster RTÉ has reported.
The US government imposed sanctions on him in April 2022 after he and other members of his family were identified as leaders of the Kinahan organised crime cartel.
Kinahan also had ties to the world of sport via his now defunct boxing management company MTK Global, which represented more than 100 boxers including Tyson Fury and Carl Frampton.
An Garda Síochána (Irish police) said they were aware of the arrest of an Irish national.
Dubai police say the arrest was made on Wednesday, 15 April after intensive search and surveillance operations.
Dubai police have said they have arrested an Irish fugitive for his alleged role in an international organised crime network.
The arrest comes as part of efforts to combat cross-border crime.
The arrest followed the receipt of a judicial file from Irish authorities detailing Kinahan’s alleged crimes and his involvement in an international criminal organisation.
Based on the file, Dubai Public Prosecution issued an arrest warrant to initiate legal procedures ahead of his extradition.
Kinahan was captured within 48 hours of the warrant being issued.
Gardaí say the arrest is in accordance with the bi-lateral agreement on extradition between Ireland and United Arab Emirates.
They say the arrest of the Irish National in Dubai remains a matter for the authorities in the United Arab Emirates at this time.
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.”
Irish Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Minister Jim O’Callaghan welcomed the arrest.
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.”
Who is Daniel Kinahan?
Daniel Kinahan had previously been named in the High Court in Dublin as the head of a drug cartel.
On February 5 2016, an attempt was made on Kinahan’s life in what became known as the Regency Hotel shooting.
One of his associates, David Byrne, was shot dead, while two others were shot and injured.
This incident was part of what became known as the Hutch-Kinahan feud which has so far cost 18 lives.
Kinahan had spent a lot of time in Costa del Sol in Spain, but following the Regency shooting it is believed he relocated to Dubai permanently.
By BBC News
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