Government jet involved in Daniel Kinahan extradition lands in Ireland

By Rebecca Black, Press Association

The Government jet involved in the extradition of alleged gangland figure Daniel Kinahan from Dubai has landed in Ireland.

It comes after the arrest in April in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of the Dublin boxing promoter, who is an alleged leader of the Kinahan organised crime group.

Kinahan, in his late 40s, was detained on foot of an arrest warrant issued by the Irish courts in relation to alleged serious organised crime offences.

Earlier, the ministers of justice for Ireland and the United Arab Emirates confirmed the extradition, after a formal request submitted by Irish authorities, and the final decision was issued after a judgment by the Dubai Court of Cassation, in accordance with the extradition treaty between the two countries.

Jim O’Callaghan and Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi said that the final extradition decision “reflects the steadfast commitment of both countries to the rule of law and reinforces international judicial co-operation”.

The plane landed at Casement aerodrome in Baldonnel on the outskirts of Dublin just after 6.30 pm.

A convoy of vehicles with blacked-out windows has left Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel on the outskirts of Dublin at high speed.

A crowd had gathered outside the aerodrome where an Irish Government jet believed to be carrying alleged gangland figure Daniel Kinahan landed from Dubai earlier this evening.

Kinahan is due to appear at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin shortly.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said,"This arrest shows our determination, along with our international policing partners including Dubai Police, to target transnational organised crime groups.

"It also shows the value of our relationship with the authorities in the United Arab Emirates, the Ministry of Justice at judicial level, and on a police-to-police basis.

"This relationship has been supported by the Irish Government’s Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.”