Daniel Kinahan Arrested in Dubai Amid International Crime Allegations

Sat Apr 18 2026 13:12:17 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Suspected crime boss Daniel Kinahan has been arrested in Dubai under a warrant from Ireland, following U.S. sanctions due to his leadership of the Kinahan crime cartel.

Daniel Kinahan, a notorious crime figure, was apprehended in Dubai on April 15, 2026, after a warrant from Irish authorities. Known for his organized crime connections and previous involvement in professional boxing, Kinahan's arrest showcases ongoing international cooperation in tackling serious crime.

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

The arrest follows efforts to combat cross-border crime and was based on a judicial file from Irish authorities detailing Kinahan's alleged crimes and involvement in a criminal organization.

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

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

Gardaí confirm that the arrest is part of the bi-lateral agreement on extradition between Ireland and the UAE.

In a statement, An Garda Síochána said: Today's arrest is another extremely important demonstration of the need for international law enforcement cooperation in tackling transnational organised crime.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin commented on the strong relationship between Ireland and the UAE regarding extradition, emphasizing the effectiveness of the agreement.

Irish officials welcomed the arrest, with Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan noting it follows his request to the UAE for Kinahan's extradition to face charges in Ireland.

Kinahan, previously identified as the head of a drug cartel in Dublin's High Court, became a significant target for law enforcement following a life attempt on him linked to the deadly Hutch-Kinahan feud.