Sean McGovern is facing extradition back to Ireland after his arrest in Dubai, Interpol has confirmed.

Gardaí believe the 38-year-old is a senior member of the Kinahan Organised Crime Group.

He is wanted in Ireland in connection with charges of murder and directing an organised crime group.

McGovern was arrested in the early hours of yesterday morning and is currently in custody ahead of extradition proceedings.

Dubai Police picked him after Interpol issued a ‘Red Notice; international wanted person’s alert in a bid to support Ireland’s “ongoing collaboration” with the United Arab Emirates.

"Most wanted"

“One of Ireland’s most wanted individuals has been arrested thanks to the combined efforts of the Irish authorities and the United Arab Emirates,” said Interpol Secretary General Jürgen Stock.

“Cases like this underline the value of international police cooperation via Interpol’s global network, and again highlights that no fugitive can consider themselves safe from justice.”

Arrest

Gardaí issued a European Arrest Warrant for Mr McGovern in 2022.

Investigators wish to question him as part of their investigation into the murder of Noel ‘Duck Egg’ Kirwan, who was shot dead outside his Clondalkin home days before Christmas in 2016.

Speaking yesterday, Justice Minister Helen McEntee warned that there can be “no hiding place anywhere in the world for criminals”.

Kinahan

Mr McGovern is one of seven senior figures in the Kinahan group to have been named and sanctioned by US authorities.

Daniel Kinahan, his father Christopher Senior and brother Christopher Junior were also named in the sanctions announced by the US Treasury Department in Dublin in April 2022.

The US has also announced three $5m (€4.59m) rewards for any information leading to the arrest of the three Kinahan family members.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris yesterday urged members of the organised crime gang to consider turning in the three men in exchange for the money and entry into the US Witness Protection Programme.