In Dubai, the Kinahan cartel is accused by American and European authorities of carrying out large-scale criminal activities including drug trafficking and money laundering.
An Irishman accused of being the head of a powerful international organized crime cartel was arrested in the United Arab Emirates, announced the Irish and Emirati police on Friday, the Irish media identifying this man as Daniel Kinahan.
In Dubai, the Kinahan cartel is accused by American and European authorities of carrying out large-scale criminal activities including drug trafficking and money laundering. Dubai police announced the arrest of D.J.K, without giving the full name of Daniel Joseph Kinahan.
International Crimes
“Dubai police (…) arrested an Irish fugitive suspected of participating in an organized criminal group involved in international crimes,” the Dubai government said in a statement. “This arrest is part of ongoing efforts to combat organized crime and pursue individuals wanted internationally,” it added.
The man arrested “was apprehended under an arrest warrant issued by the Irish courts in connection with alleged serious organized crime offenses,” added the Garda, the Irish police. This man was “arrested less than 48 hours after the arrest warrant was issued on April 15, following intensive search, investigation, and surveillance operations,” the Dubai government specified.
The U.S. government imposed financial sanctions against Daniel Kinahan and members of his family in 2022. A first member of the Kinahan cartel, Sean McGovern, was arrested in Dubai in October 2024, where he had been living openly for several years. He was later extradited to Ireland in May 2025.
