Daniel Kinahan charged with directing organised crime in Dublin court

Daniel Kinahan, 49, faced the Special Criminal Court in Dublin on Sunday evening, charged with directing the activities of an organized crime group. His appearance marked a significant development following his extradition from the United Arab Emirates.

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Yes, that’s correct your honour, I didn’t have time to arrange anything.

Kinahan arrived at the Courts of Criminal Justice wearing a black hoody and tracksuit bottoms. Det Sgt Colin Davidson of the Garda’s Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau informed Kinahan of the charge after arresting him at Casement Aerodrome. Kinahan, who appeared before judges Patrick McGrath, Fiona Lydon, and Sarah Berkeley, stated he understood the charge but lacked legal representation, explaining he had been in isolation in a Dubai prison since Friday.

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I assumed a family member would have contacted some legal representation.

"Yes, that’s correct your honour, I didn’t have time to arrange anything," Kinahan told the court when asked about legal representation. He mentioned an assumption that a family member would have contacted a lawyer. When offered the option of appearing via video link for his next court date in two months, he asked for time to decide. He also acknowledged that a bail application would need to be made to the High Court, stating, "I understand, I think we know I won’t be getting bail, but thank you for explaining that judge."

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Do I have to decide now, your honour?

The charge against Kinahan alleges he directed criminal organization activities between October 18, 2015, and April 6, 2017. Following the brief, 15-minute hearing, he was taken to Portlaoise Prison. This extradition is the first from the UAE under a new treaty that came into effect last year, with Kinahan transported to Ireland on a Government jet.

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I understand, I think we know I won’t be getting bail, but thank you for explaining that judge.