Gardaí are “confident” Daniel Kinahan will be extradited from Dubai if he is charged in connection with the murder of Eddie Hutch, one of Ireland’s leading crime journalists has said. 

In the past week, Gardaí submitted a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), confirming they have enough evidence to prosecute Kinahan in relation to Mr Hutch's death. 

It is believed Mr Hutch was shot in relation for the killing of David Byrne, a senior member of the Kinahan organisation, in the Regency Hotel a few months previously. 

Speaking on The Pat Kenny Show, crime journalist Nicola Tallant said the news came as no surprise to her. 

“Crime correspondents were aware from very early that the Kinahans were suspected of being in the area when Eddie Hutch was murdered,” she said. 

“He [Daniel Kinahan] hadn’t left the country at that point; I think any of the other few murders, you’ll see he was in either Spain or further on towards Dubai at the time. 

“He was in the country; a few days previously, there had been the infamous Regency attack which targeted him. 

“I would consider that he was probably very reactionary at that stage; he’s someone who is never close to this kind of dirty work.” 

Ms Tallant said it “remains to be seen” if charges are brought against Kinahan but described the file sent to the DPP as “very hefty”. 

“[Authorities are] looking to get a warrant to bring him back, we’re looking to put him before the courts - or at least the Gardaí are,” she said. 

“It’ll be up to the Director of Public Prosecutions whether that happens or not and they, the Gardaí, are waiting for direction from the Director.” 

US Ambassador to Ireland Claire Cronin speaking at Dublin City Hall, after it was announced that the US government is offering a reward for information on the Irish Kinahan crime gang or for the arrest and conviction of its leaders. Picture by: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Kinahan has been living for years in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates - a country which Ireland does not currently have an extradition treaty with.

Despite this, Gardaí are optimistic he would be brought back for any trial as the UAE has recently extradited criminals to the Netherlands after charges were brought against them there. 

“We know that certainly the Government and [Garda Commissioner] Drew Harris are making a lot of inroads with the Emirates,” Ms Tallant said. 

“We’re told they have started the process of those negotiations; I don’t think it’ll necessarily be an extradition treaty - it might be an agreement. 

“They would agree to send him back if there’s evidence and there’s charges pending.” 

In 2022, the US Government announced a $5 million (€4.6 million) reward for information that leads to the arrest or conviction of the Kinahans. 

Main image: Daniel Kinahan.