One of the world’s most wanted men, Daniel Kinahan, has been arrested in Dubai after Irish authorities moved to bring down the alleged leader of a vast international cartel with deep ties to the Costa del Sol.
Kinahan, long suspected of running a billion-euro criminal network spanning Europe and the Americas, had been living openly in Dubai for years.
The city is widely viewed as a safe haven for high-level fugitives.
He fled Spain in the aftermath of the infamous 2016 Regency Hotel shooting in Dublin, where his close associate David Byrne was gunned down in a brazen attack that shocked Ireland and escalated a brutal gang war.
From the Gulf, investigators believe Kinahan continued to orchestrate operations across multiple continents.
Meanwhile, associates linked to the network also passed through the UAE, including Ryan James Hale, who had previously been based in Marbella.
Authorities say the arrest came just 48 hours after Ireland issued an international warrant on April 15, following what officials described as an intensive intelligence-led operation.
Ireland’s Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan personally thanked Emirati officials, including Abdulla Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, highlighting a growing crackdown on organised crime networks operating across borders.
The move follows new extradition and legal cooperation agreements signed between the two countries in 2025.
Kinahan, 48, is also a well-known boxing promoter and a central figure in a long-running and deadly feud with the rival Hutch gang, led by Gerry Hutch.
The conflict has claimed nearly 20 lives and was ignited after the murder of Gary Hutch in Mijas in 2015.
The Kinahan cartel was originally founded in the 1990s by Christy Kinahan, with Daniel later rising to become one of its most powerful figures – until now.
Ireland’s Gardai said the arrest was made in accordance with the bi-lateral agreement on extradition between with the UAE.
They added that it remains a matter for the authorities in the United Arab Emirates at this time.
In a statement An Garda Siochana said: ‘Today’s arrest is another extremely important demonstration of the need for international law enforcement co-operation in tackling transnational organised crime.’
Irish Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Minister Jim O’Callaghan welcomed the arrest.
He said: ‘Today’s arrest follows my request to the UAE for extradition of this individual to face charges in Ireland.
‘I would like to commend all involved in today’s development, which is the result of tireless work.’
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
