An Irish man believed to be leading a major international criminal network has been arrested in Dubai, according to reports from Irish media. Authorities in Ireland said an Irish national in his late 40s was detained on Wednesday under a warrant issued by Irish courts in connection with alleged serious organised crime offences.
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The arrest was confirmed by the country’s police force, Garda Síochána, which said it remains committed to pursuing those suspected of involvement in organised criminal activity regardless of where they are located.
Dubai Police also confirmed the detention of what they described as an “Irish fugitive” suspected of playing a role in an international organised crime network. Officials in the United Arab Emirates did not name the individual.
However, Ireland’s national broadcaster, RTÉ, reported that the man arrested was Daniel Kinahan.
Longstanding Organised Crime Allegations
Kinahan has long been identified by Irish authorities as a central figure in organised crime. The High Court of Ireland previously described him as a senior member of a criminal gang believed to be involved in international drug trafficking and firearms offences.
He has lived for several years in the United Arab Emirates, after earlier relocating to Spain.
Irish authorities have linked the group associated with Kinahan to extensive criminal activity operating across several countries. Officials have repeatedly stated their intention to target those suspected of directing such networks from abroad.
Violent Feud in Ireland
Kinahan has also been connected to a violent feud between the so-called Kinahan cartel and the rival Hutch gang. The conflict has been linked to at least 18 killings in Ireland since 2015.
One of the most high-profile incidents occurred in 2016, when David Byrne was shot dead during a boxing weigh-in at the Regency Hotel. Byrne was believed to be associated with the Kinahan organisation, and investigators said Kinahan himself may have been the intended target of the attack.
The shooting shocked Ireland’s sporting and boxing communities and intensified scrutiny of the alleged criminal network.
Links to Professional Boxing
Kinahan also became known within the boxing world through his involvement with management company MTK Global, which he helped establish.
During that time he was photographed with prominent fighters, including former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. Kinahan also attempted to help arrange major bouts for Fury, including a proposed all-British heavyweight fight with Anthony Joshua that ultimately did not take place.
His links to boxing drew widespread attention and criticism as law enforcement agencies increased pressure on the organisation he was alleged to lead.
U.S. Reward Offer
In 2022, the United States Department of State announced a reward of up to $5 million for information that could lead to the “financial destruction” of the Kinahan organised crime group or to the arrest and conviction of its leadership.
The reward was part of a broader effort by U.S. authorities to target transnational criminal organisations believed to be involved in drug trafficking and other serious offences.
It was not immediately clear what legal process would follow Kinahan’s arrest or whether he could face extradition proceedings.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 19 April 2026
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