Alleged cartel boss Daniel Kinahan extradition ends years-long global manhunt

Alleged organised crime boss Daniel Kinahan has been extradited from Dubai to Ireland, a decade after leaving the country following an attempt on his life.

The 49-year-old arrived at Casement Aerodrome in Dublin on Sunday aboard an Irish government jet amid a major security operation.

Kinahan is expected to appear at the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin to be charged with directing organised crime before being transferred to Portlaoise Prison.

Authorities have alleged Kinahan is a senior figure in the Kinahan organised crime group, which has been linked to international drug trafficking, firearms and other criminal activity.

Kinahan has not been convicted over those allegations. Kinahan told podcaster James English before his extradition that he expected a lengthy prison sentence.

“I think I’ve already got life in prison. And we have to go through the dance now.”

He acknowledged he had “not been an angel” but said allegations against him had been exaggerated, adding: “I believe in a way I’m a scapegoat.”

Kinahan left Ireland following an attempted assassination at a boxing weigh-in at Dublin’s Regency Hotel in February 2016.

He later settled in Dubai, where he was arrested in April. His extradition became possible after Ireland and the United Arab Emirates agreed to an extradition treaty in May 2025.

UAE authorities rejected Kinahan’s appeal against extradition last month, clearing the way for his return to Ireland.