Daniel Kinahan faces return from Dubai after final extradition appeal fails

Daniel Kinahan. Picture: Collins Dublin.

Daniel Kinahan has lost his final appeal against extradition from Dubai, paving the way for his return to Ireland in the coming weeks or months.

The leader of the Kinahan Organised Crime Group has been fighting extradition since his arrest by authorities in the United Arab Emirates in April, following a request from An Garda Síochána.

Kinahan is wanted by gardaí on allegations of directing the activities of an organised crime group.

His arrest came after Ireland and the United Arab Emirates signed a bilateral extradition agreement in 2024, making it possible for Irish authorities to seek his return.

Kinahan had been living openly in Dubai for several years, including during the height of the Kinahan-Hutch feud.

With his latest and final appeal now understood to have failed, preparations are expected to begin for his transfer back to Ireland.

It is understood that An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces and the Irish Prison Service will coordinate the operation to return Kinahan to Ireland.

If extradited, he is expected to be transported on the Government jet under armed garda escort.

Should he be formally charged on his arrival, Kinahan is expected to stand trial before the Special Criminal Court.

An Garda Síochána has not commented on the extradition process, while investigations into alleged organised crime offences linked to Kinahan remain ongoing.