Government jet flying to Dublin amid Daniel Kinahan extradition
By Rebecca Black, Press Association
An Irish Government jet is flying to Dublin from Dubai amid the extradition of alleged gangland figure Daniel Kinahan.
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.
The Irish Government jet took off from Casement aerodrome in Baldonnel on the outskirts of Dublin on Saturday morning, touching down in Dubai that night.
It left the UAE just after 10am on Sunday.
Kinahan is expected to appear before the Special Criminal Court in Dublin on Sunday evening where he will face a charge of directing an organised crime group.
Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan said:“I would like to express Ireland's deep appreciation for the support of the United Arab Emirates in handling the extradition request, and commend the professionalism, efficiency, and diligence demonstrated by the UAE judicial authorities throughout the extradition proceedings.
"This decision is another landmark of judicial cooperation between the two countries and reflects the strength of our partnership to address transnational organised crime.”
Minister of Justice of the United Arab Emirates H.E. Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi said: “I reaffirm the United Arab Emirates' commitment to further strengthening judicial cooperation with Irish authorities, and continuing to enhance our judicial partnerships with the international community.
"This achievement reflects the UAE's position as a trusted international partner in the field of international judicial cooperation and underscores the steadfast commitment we have to supporting global efforts to combat transnational organised crime, bring perpetrators of serious crimes to justice, and prevent them from evading accountability, thereby contributing to regional and international security and stability, and reinforcing the rule of law.”
