The bombshell news that Kinahan (48) had been arrested in Dubai last Friday made headlines around the world
20:00, 19 Apr 2026Updated 20:27, 19 Apr 2026
Daniel Kinahan, who was enjoying life in Dubai before his shock arrest.
Prison bosses are already contingency planning for the potential arrival of Daniel Kinahan on Irish soil in the coming weeks.
This paper understands that prison governors and high-ranking authorities within the Irish Prison Service (IPS) are set to meet to discuss planning for the arrival of the high-profile prisoner – who could even be here within days if he doesn’t fight his extradition from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The bombshell news that Kinahan (48) had been arrested in Dubai last Friday made headlines around the world – but it has meant authorities here have had to get to work in planning the major security operation that will have to take place.
It is understood authorities within the IPS will convene a meeting to discuss all options regarding Kinahan’s arrival – and where best to place him – when he is likely remanded into custody after appearing before the Special Criminal Court.
Sources say Kinahan will in all likelihood be brought to Portlaoise Prison in Co Laois- where fellow right-hand man Sean McGovern is being kept under the most secure regime possible in this country.
However over the coming days and weeks prison bosses along with gardai will work to assess all potential threats to Kinahan and to staff before he ever sets foot here. There are concerns that those loyal to the Kinahan cartel could cause trouble behind bars ahead of his arrival – and that those who sympathise with the Hutch clan could pose a threat.
Although the Kinahan Hutch feud is largely believed to be halted, there are concerns that tensions could flare up again behind bars.
Sources say the planning has to start now, as Kinahan could be flown in quickly – if he doesn’t fight extradition. But even if he does, sources say the process is expected to still be quicker thanks to an agreed extradition treaty this country now has in place with the UAE.
Jono Carroll and Daniel Kinahan(Image: Instagram/ Jono Carroll )
Daniel Kinahan
In the meantime the alleged leader of the Kinahan cartel is being held at the Dubai Central Jail – also known as Al Awir Central Jail. Conditions inside the jail have been criticised by former inmates and human rights groups.
British man Karl Williams spent a year in hellhole prison back in 2012. He penned a memoir about his time there and said he saw people being stabbed to death.
Kinahan is wanted here to be charged with directing a criminal organisation – a charge that carries a maximum term of life in prison on conviction.
It is understood that gardai have meticulously combed through several encrypted conversations in which Kinahan is suspected to have directed murder plots carried out during the course of the feud.
The mob boss is suspected of playing a role in the plot to kill Hutch associate James ‘Mago’ Gately in 2017 – as well as in the murder of Eddie Hutch in Dublin’s Poplar Row in February 2016.
His dad, Christy and brother Christopher are understood to still be in Dubai. Neither man is currently being pursued by gardai – and there are concerns that they will now flee the country.
Last year, Kinahan lieutenant Sean McGovern became the first person extradited from the UAE to Ireland, following the 2024 treaty between the two nations.
Daniel Kinahan
In March, McGovern pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to directing a criminal organisation.
The 39-year-old, with a previous address at Kildare Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12, pleaded guilty to a charge of directing the activities of a criminal organisation between October 20 and December 22, 2016, both dates inclusive, both within and outside the State, in relation to the murder of Christopher aka Noel Kirwan.
McGovern also admitted directing the activities of a criminal organisation between October 17, 2015 and April 6, 2017, both dates inclusive, both within and outside the State, in connection with the surveillance of James Gately in preparation for the commission of an indictable offence. He will be sentenced on April 27.
Want to see more of the stories you love from the Irish Mirror? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Irish Mirror as a preferred source, simply click here.