Suspected crime boss Daniel Kinahan to be returned to Ireland in high-security operation

Irish authorities are set to extradite alleged crime boss Daniel Kinahan back to his home country following his arrest in the United Arab Emirates. The 49-year-old has been wanted by law enforcement for his role in leading an organized crime group, which has been linked to a series of gangland killings. Kinahan, who has evaded extradition attempts for over a year, will face charges in the Special Criminal Court in Dublin.

In preparation for his return, the Irish government has implemented heightened security measures, including the use of a bulletproof and bombproof van for his transport. The US Treasury Department has previously labeled the Kinahan cartel one of the most dangerous in the world, imposing sanctions on Kinahan and his family in 2022.

The crime group, which has been operating for over two decades, is believed to have earned more than €1 billion globally through drug and arms trafficking, according to the National Crime Agency.