Helen McEntee in Abu Dhabi to sign bilateral extradition treaty with UAE

Ms McEntee formally launched negotiations on a treaty with the UAE last year. File Picture: Sam Boal/Collins Photos

Justice Minister Helen McEntee is in Abu Dhabi on Monday to sign a bilateral extradition treaty with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Government formally approved the signing of the treaty last Friday, with hopes that it will allow for senior members of the Kinahan cartel be returned to Ireland to face trial.

The bilateral treaties, covering both extradition and mutual legal assistance, are aiming to improve cooperation between Ireland and the UAE in dealing with organised crime.

Ms McEntee formally launched negotiations on a treaty with the UAE last year.

“Many organised crime gangs think they can evade justice by crossing borders; they cannot. There can be no hiding place anywhere in the world for criminals,” Ms McEntee said on Friday.

The Government have said that the treaties are in line with existing legislation on extradition and mutual legal assistance to ensure safeguards for protection of human rights.

The signing of the treaty comes just days after one of the Kinahan cartel lieutenants, Sean McGovern, was arrested in the UAE in relation to the Hutch-Kinahan feud murder and directing organised crime.

McGovern is seen as the second in ranking to cartel leader Daniel Kinahan, who took him to Dubai.

Both men are based in Dubai, alongside Daniel’s brother Christopher Junior and the cartel’s founder Christy Kinahan.

Following the signing in Abu Dhabi, Ms McEntee will be required to seek Dáil approval before the measures formally come into effect.