An alleged leader of an Irish organized crime group, Daniel Kinahan, 49, is en route to Ireland from Dubai to face charges related to an international drug smuggling and money laundering network. An Irish military plane carrying Kinahan was expected to land Sunday evening outside of Dublin after a Dubai court denied a request to block his extradition.
Kinahan is anticipated to be taken directly to the Special Criminal Court in Dublin, where he will be charged with directing an organized crime group, according to Irish broadcaster RTE. Following court proceedings, he is expected to be held at Portlaoise Prison, a high-security facility located approximately 90 miles southwest of the capital.
Irish media reports indicate a significant security operation is in place for Kinahan's arrival and transport. This operation involves armed police, military personnel, and the prison service, which has reportedly acquired a bomb-proof escort van for transporting high-risk prisoners. Kinahan's alleged criminal enterprise reportedly had connections in Britain, Spain, and the United States.