Daniel Kinahan, alleged to be a frontrunner of the Kinahan organised crime group, has been arrested within the United Arab Emirates.
Irish police said they were aware of the arrest of a person in his late 40s, on foot of an arrest warrant issued by the Irish courts in relation to alleged serious organised crime offences.
The gardai said the arrest is in accordance with the bilateral agreement on extradition between Ireland and United Arab Emirates.
Dubai Police said the arrest took place on April 15.
The High Court in Dublin previously named Kinahan, who lives within the UAE, as a senior figure in an organised crime gang involved in international drug trafficking operations and firearm offences.
The Kinahan cartel was involved in a feud with the rival Hutch crime gang in Ireland, which began in 2015.
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An attempt was made on Daniel Kinahan’s life at a boxing weigh-in on the Regency Hotel in Dublin a 12 months later.
A gardai statement said the arrest was an ‘necessary demonstration of the necessity for international law enforcement co-operation in tackling transnational organised crime’.
The statement said: ‘The arrest of the Irish national in Dubai stays a matter for the authorities within the United Arab Emirates at the moment.
‘An Garda Siochana has been steadfast in our determination that we’d pursue those allegedly involved in serious organised criminal activity, wherever they go.
‘Today’s arrest is one other extremely necessary demonstration of the necessity for international law enforcement co-operation in tackling transnational organised crime.
‘An Garda Siochana has developed many major international partnerships in our efforts to focus on transnational organised crime groups.
‘Our relationship with the authorities within the United Arab Emirates, the Ministry of Justice at judicial level, and on a police-to-police basis, is valued.
‘This relationship has been supported by the Irish Government Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and Department of Foreign Affairs.’
Dubai Police said they’d arrested an ‘Irish fugitive for his alleged role in a global organised crime network’.
A spokesperson said: ‘The arrest comes as a part of efforts to combat cross-border crime.
‘The arrest followed the receipt of a judicial file from Irish authorities detailing the suspect’s alleged crimes and his involvement in a global criminal organisation.
‘Based on the file, Dubai public prosecution issued an arrest warrant to initiate legal procedures ahead of his extradition.
‘Specialised teams immediately launched intensive search and surveillance operations, resulting in the suspect’s capture inside 48 hours of the warrant being issued.
‘Dubai police confirmed that the arrest took place on April 15, reflecting the force’s rapid response and operational readiness in handling international cases.
‘Dubai police further reaffirmed their commitment to supporting global efforts to combat organised crime and pursuing internationally wanted individuals.
‘In addition they highlighted the importance of close cooperation with law enforcement agencies worldwide to reinforce security, strengthen partnerships, and ensure safer communities.’
Kinahan’s involvement in boxing caused controversy in 2020 when heavyweight Tyson Fury thanked him for reaching an agreement for him to tackle Anthony Joshua.
Fury said he was accountable for organising ‘the most important fight in British boxing history’.
But inside weeks Fury’s team announced that Kinahan would not negotiate for him.
Irish 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.
‘In recent times, the UAE and Ireland have worked closely together to advance criminal investigations into serious and organised crime, including the agreement of bilateral treaties on extradition and mutual legal assistance in 2025.
‘I actually have spoken today with my UAE counterpart minister of justice, His Excellency Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, to specific my thanks and to acknowledge the strong judicial co-operation in criminal matters between Ireland and the UAE.
‘I would really like to commend all involved in today’s development, which is the results of tireless work by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, officials within the Department of Justice with their UAE counterparts, the Department of Foreign Affairs and other agencies.’
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