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, with Irish media identifying this man as Daniel Kinahan.
Based 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 revealing the full name of Daniel Joseph Kinahan.
“International Crimes”
“The Dubai police […] arrested an Irish fugitive suspected of involvement in an organized criminal group engaged in international crimes,” said the Dubai government 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 detained under an arrest warrant issued by Irish courts in connection with alleged serious organized crime offenses,” added the Garda, the Irish police. This man was “arrested within 48 hours of the issuance of the arrest warrant on April 15, following intense search, investigation, and surveillance operations,” specified the Dubai government.
The US government had 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.
