Daniel Kinahan, Notorious Crime Boss, Arrested in Dubai

Sat Apr 18 2026 12:17:53 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Daniel Kinahan, a suspected leader of an international organized crime network, was arrested in Dubai following a top-level warrant issued by Irish authorities. This arrest follows longstanding efforts to tackle transnational crime.

Suspected crime boss Daniel Kinahan has been arrested in Dubai in connection with serious organized crime activities. The arrest is linked to a warrant issued by the Irish courts as part of international efforts to combat cross-border crime. Kinahan, along with other family members, has been sanctioned by the US government for his leadership within the Kinahan organized crime cartel. His arrest marks a significant milestone in global law enforcement cooperation.

Suspected crime boss Daniel Kinahan has been arrested in the United Arab Emirates in relation to alleged serious organised crime offences.

Kinahan, aged in his 40s, was arrested in Dubai under a warrant issued by the Irish courts, Irish national broadcaster RTÉ has reported.

The US government imposed sanctions on him in April 2022 after he and other members of his family were identified as leaders of the Kinahan organised crime cartel.

Kinahan also had ties to the world of sport via his now-defunct boxing management company MTK Global, which represented more than 100 boxers including Tyson Fury and Carl Frampton.

An Garda Síochána (Irish police) said they were aware of the arrest of an Irish national.

Dubai police say the arrest was made on Wednesday, 15 April after intensive search and surveillance operations.

Dubai police have stated that they have arrested an Irish fugitive for his alleged role in an international organised crime network.

The arrest comes as part of efforts to combat cross-border crime.

The arrest was executed following the receipt of a judicial file from Irish authorities detailing Kinahan's alleged crimes and his involvement in an international criminal organisation.

Based on this file, Dubai Public Prosecution issued an arrest warrant to initiate legal procedures ahead of his extradition.

Kinahan was captured within 48 hours of the warrant being issued.

Gardaí have noted that this arrest aligns with the bi-lateral agreement on extradition between Ireland and the United Arab Emirates.

In a statement, An Garda Síochána emphasized the importance of international law enforcement cooperation in tackling transnational organised crime.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed awareness of the arrest in the UAE, highlighting the strong extradition relationship between Ireland and the United Arab Emirates.

He affirmed that the agreement is operating effectively and that due process will follow.

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O'Callaghan also welcomed the arrest, which follows his request for the UAE to extradite Kinahan to Ireland.

Kinahan's criminal history includes being named in the High Court in Dublin as the head of a drug cartel. He was previously the target of an assassination attempt in 2016, known as the Regency Hotel shooting, which resulted in several deaths and injuries during the ongoing Hutch-Kinahan feud.

Following the Regency shooting, Kinahan is believed to have relocated to Dubai permanently.