Alleged Irish crime boss Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation

Dublin prosecutors charged alleged Irish crime boss Daniel Kinahan with directing a criminal organization on Sunday, Aug 9, following his extradition from the United Arab Emirates, amid heightened security at the special court hearing. Kinahan, who was arrested in Dubai in April, was listed by the United States in 2022 as one of the three leaders of the Kinahan Organised Crime Group, for which the US had offered a $5 million reward.

He was transferred to Dublin and brought directly to the court for a rare Sunday night sitting, where he was remanded in custody. The 49-year-old, dressed in a black hoodie and flip-flops, acknowledged the charges and was informed that bail could only be considered through the High Court. Kinahan, who had lived in Dubai for the past decade while organizing high-profile boxing events, apologized for not having a lawyer present, stating he lacked time to arrange representation while isolated in the UAE.

His legal team stated in 2021 that the allegations against him were false. The UAE and Ireland described Kinahan as a prominent figure sought for prosecution in connection with transnational organized crime in a joint statement on Sunday. He is set to appear at the court again on Oct 5.