Air Corps flight carrying Daniel Kinahan from Dubai expected to arrive in Dublin shortly

Alleged cartel leader Daniel Kinahan is en route to Ireland, with a government jet carrying him from Dubai expected to land in Dublin shortly. His arrival precedes a court appearance scheduled for Sunday evening at the Special Criminal Court, where he is expected to face charges related to directing organized crime.

A significant security operation is underway at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel, Co. Dublin, in anticipation of Kinahan's landing, reportedly around 6:30 p.m. Emergency Response Unit vehicles and Garda helicopters are present, and members of the public have gathered outside the aerodrome. Kinahan, 49, who has resided in Dubai for the past decade with his family, will be arrested upon arrival and transported under heavy escort to the court.

The extradition marks a milestone, as Kinahan is the first individual to be extradited from the United Arab Emirates to the Republic of Ireland under a permanent treaty that came into effect last year. This follows the extradition of his close associate, Sean McGovern, in the previous year under a special arrangement. McGovern is currently serving a 24-year sentence for his role in the Kinahan cartel's criminal activities.

Following his brief court appearance, Kinahan is expected to be remanded in custody at Portlaoise Prison, a maximum-security facility, until his trial next year. The Irish Prison Service has acquired a specialized escort van, but it will not be used for Kinahan's transport on Sunday, with the Garda responsible for the escort from Dublin to Portlaoise. The joint statement from Irish and UAE authorities welcomed the extradition, referring to Kinahan only as "an Irish national" and "one of the most hig[hly wanted]."