Ireland’s attempt to extradite Daniel Kinahan from the United Arab Emirates may become the first major test of the extradition treaty now in force between the two countries.
According to reports, Kinahan was arrested in Dubai on April 15, 2026, shortly after an Irish High Court warrant for his extradition was issued. The case is expected to attract close attention because it may show how the Ireland-UAE extradition framework works in practice in a high-profile organised crime matter.
The treaty between Ireland and the UAE was agreed in October 2024 and became operational on May 18, 2025. While there has already been an extradition from Dubai to Ireland, this case is likely to be viewed as a more direct test of the treaty process itself.
Tony Collier, solicitor partner at Ferrys Solicitors LLP, told The Irish Times that the key difference between the Ireland-UAE treaty and other extradition arrangements is that it operates as a slower process with less judicial oversight. He contrasted that with the European Arrest Warrant system, which generally allows for faster court-driven surrender within strict timelines between Ireland and other EU member states.
If Kinahan contests the extradition in the Dubai courts, the process could take several months. If he does not oppose extradition, it may still take several weeks before any surrender to Ireland is completed.
For those following developments in extradition law, the case may provide an important indication of how Ireland’s bilateral arrangements with the UAE work in practice where serious organised crime allegations are involved.
Read the full original report here: The Irish Times.