Ireland is to sign an Extradition Agreement with the United Arab Emirates.
It is hoped the deal will pave the way for high-level criminals currently living in Dubai to be returned to Ireland to face trial.
It comes just days after alleged Kinahan Organised Crime Group member Sean McGovern was arrested in Dubai.
Interpol later announced that he was facing extradition to Ireland to face charges of murder and directing an organised crime group.
Reward of up to $5,000,000.00 USD for information leading to the Financial Disruption of the Kinahan Criminal Organisation or the arrest and/or conviction of:
Daniel Kinahan
Christy Kinahan Sr
Christy Kinahan JrSubmit Tips via email to KinahanTCOTips@dea.gov pic.twitter.com/PEafbJkJ8a
— Garda Info (@gardainfo) April 12, 2022
In April 2022, seven alleged members of the gang were named and sanctioned by the US Department of the Treasury.
All seven are believed to be currently living in Dubai.
They include Daniel Kinahan, his father Christy and his brother Christopher Jr.
Sean McGovern . Image: An Garda SíochánaIn a statement this afternoon, Justice Minister Helen McEntee said she has received Cabinet approval to sign the treaties – and will seek Dáil approval for them once they are signed.
“This Government is taking all necessary steps to dismantle organised crime,” she said.
“Given the increasingly transnational nature of organised crime, it is imperative that Ireland strategically strengthens judicial co-operation in criminal matters with other countries as part of our efforts to combat this serious global threat,” she said.
“As has been the case for many of our EU counterparts, the agreement of these bilateral treaties will be of significant support in tackling organised crime and transnational drug trafficking gangs.
“This process is about putting those at the top of organised crime behind bars and holding them responsible for their actions.
“Any person involved in organised crime should know there is no hiding place; you will face justice.
“Many organised crime gangs think they can evade justice by crossing borders – they cannot.
“There can be no hiding place anywhere in the world for criminals.”
Human rights
The Department of Justice said the extradition agreement includes safeguards to “ensure a high level of protection for human rights”.
They include protections against extradition for “protected characteristics, the death penalty, torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and other relevant assurances”.
