Government jet heads to Dubai for Kinahan extradition

Ireland's new government jet has embarked on a mission to Dubai, marking the initial phase of extraditing fugitive Daniel Kinahan back to the country. The 49-year-old has been held in Dubai since April following his arrest on an Irish warrant.

Kinahan's final appeal against extradition was unsuccessful, paving the way for Irish authorities to bring him back to face charges related to directing an organized crime group. The Dassault Falcon 6X jet left Baldonnell early Saturday and is expected to reach the UAE later in the day, with plans to transport Kinahan back to Ireland by Sunday.

Upon his arrival, Kinahan will be taken to the Special Criminal Court. A large-scale security operation is underway, involving the Gardaí, the Defence Forces, and the Irish Prison Service. The prison service has recently acquired a bulletproof and bomb-proof escort van for high-risk inmates and has also enhanced security measures at the maximum-security Portlaoise Prison.