Daniel Kinahan, the alleged leader of the Kinahan organised crime group, was arrested in the United Arab Emirates on April 15, Dubai police said. The 48-year-old was detained over a warrant issued by Irish courts and reportedly taken into custody within 48 hours of that warrant being issued.
The Garda (Irish police) said the arrest followed a bilateral extradition agreement between Ireland and the UAE. Ireland’s Director of Public Prosecutions has directed that Kinahan face trial in Ireland on alleged organised crime offences. Irish authorities are progressing charging and extradition steps.
Who is Daniel Kinahan?
Kinahan is widely regarded in Irish courts and by international law enforcement as one of Europe’s most prominent drug gang leaders. Agencies including the US Drug Enforcement Administration and Europol have said he controlled up to a third of the cocaine trade in Europe. A Dublin high court has named him head of the Kinahan Organised Crime group (the Kinahan cartel), a network described as worth hundreds of millions or possibly billions of euros.
He had been living openly in Dubai while allegedly running the trafficking network and taking part in professional boxing management. The Garda believe Kinahan directed much of the gangland violence in Ireland between 2015 and 2018. In 2022 the US offered a $5 million reward for information leading to the capture of three cartel leaders, including Christy Kinahan and his sons Daniel and Christopher.
Kinahan is the second senior cartel figure arrested in recent years in relation to the organisation. Close associate Sean McGovern was arrested in Dubai in 2024 and subsequently extradited to Ireland. Both men were among seven top cartel figures; at one time several senior members were based in Dubai and were sanctioned by the US Treasury Department on April 22.
Kinahan’s wife, Caoimhe Robinson, is reported to have played a central role in alleged money-laundering operations, buying and selling multimillion-euro properties in Dubai after sanctions froze Kinahan’s accounts. Robinson has been the subject of a €10 million asset recovery pursuit by legal authorities.
Dubai police said the arrest reflected a major diplomatic effort and reaffirmed their commitment “to supporting global efforts to combat organised crime and pursuing internationally wanted individuals,” highlighting the importance of close cooperation with law enforcement worldwide to enhance security and ensure safer communities.