Daniel Kinahan, 49, the alleged leader of an international organized crime gang, has been extradited from the United Arab Emirates to Ireland. After living in Dubai for a decade, Kinahan was handed over by UAE authorities and transported via an Irish military plane, landing Sunday evening at an airport outside of Dublin.
Kinahan, described as one of the world's most wanted criminals, is accused of directing the Kinahan organised crime group. This multinational network is suspected of running a drug smuggling and money laundering empire with operations extending to Britain, Spain, and the U.S. He faces charges of trafficking narcotics into Ireland, the UK, and Spain, as well as other allegations including murder.
Following his return, Kinahan appeared in a Dublin court on Sunday. He is expected to face the Special Criminal Court and will be detained at the high-security Portlaoise Prison. A massive security operation is underway to ensure he faces justice, involving armed police, the armed forces, and the prison service, which recently acquired a bomb-proof escort van for transporting high-risk prisoners.