Ireland Case No. 0156Directing a criminal organisation · Co. Dublin · 18 Oct 2015
Daniel Kinahan appears in person at Special Criminal Court, case adjourned to December 21
Daniel Kinahan, a 49-year-old Irish man, is charged with directing a criminal organisation between 18 October 2015 and 6 April 2017, contrary to section 71A of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. He was arrested in Dubai in April 2026, charged in August, and extradited from the United Arab Emirates, landing at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel, County Dublin, on 9 August 2026, when he was remanded in custody to Portlaoise Prison. He appeared by video link on 5 October and in person at the Special Criminal Court on 12 October 2026, where he entered no plea and the case was adjourned to 21 December 2026 for a book of evidence. A bail application to the High Court is expected in the coming weeks.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court25 Sep
7 reports - Verdict
- Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Daniel Kinahan, a 49-year-old Irish man, is charged with directing a criminal organisation.
- When
- The charge covers the period from 18 October 2015 to 6 April 2017.
- Where
- The incident is linked to Dublin, where the Special Criminal Court sits in central Dublin.
- He was extradited from the United Arab Emirates and landed at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel, south County Dublin, on 9 August 2026, where he was arrested on the tarmac.
- Charges
- The charge is brought under section 71A of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 and carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
- Cause
- He is accused of directing the Kinahan Organised Crime Group over a feud that resulted in 18 murders.
- Investigation
- He was arrested in Dubai in April 2026 on an arrest warrant and a request from Ireland, and Dubai Police handed him over to Garda officers at Al Maktoum Airport.
- Gardaí identified him as one of the encrypted users in incriminating conversations, and a 189-page statement of facts was sent to the UAE.
- In court
- At his first hearing on 9 August 2026, before Judge Patrick McGrath, he had no legal representation, the hearing lasted 13 minutes, and he was remanded in custody to Portlaoise Prison in County Laois.
- On 5 October 2026 he appeared by video link from Portlaoise Prison and the case was adjourned to 11 October.
- On 12 October 2026 he appeared in person at the non-jury Special Criminal Court in central Dublin before three judges, did not speak, and had not entered a plea.
- The prosecution sought an adjournment to 21 December 2026 so a book of evidence could be prepared, and the court granted it.
- His solicitor, Darragh Mackin, said a bail application will be made in the coming weeks and can only be made before the High Court.
- Other details
- The court heard he was investigated for two offences, one in Dubai and one in Spain, and was acquitted of both, and the defence is seeking disclosure of those investigations.
- Sentence
- No sentence has been imposed, as he has not entered a plea.
92 statements extracted from the articles
- whatKinahan appeared before the Special Criminal Court on Monday. (irishtimes.com)
- whereKinahan is held at Portlaoise Prison in County Laois. (irishmirror.ie)
- whereHe landed at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel, south County Dublin. (irishmirror.ie)
- whereKinahan was expected to be driven from Portlaoise Prison in Co Laois to the Criminal Courts of Justice complex in central Dublin. (irishmirror.ie)
- whereHe landed at Casement Aerodrome, the HQ of the Air Corps in Baldonnel, south Co Dublin. (irishmirror.ie)
- whereKinahan was brought to the court by armed escort from Portlaoise Prison. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe charge covers the period between October 18th, 2015, and April 6th, 2017. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationKinahan was arrested in Dubai in April and extradited to Ireland last month. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationSenior members of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau met UAE authorities at Al Maktoum Airport for the formal handover (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationDubai Police handed over Kinahan based on an arrest warrant executed in April (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationGardaí identified one of the encrypted users in incriminating conversations to be Kinahan himself (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationKinahan was arrested in April on foot of an extradition request from Ireland. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationHe was extradited from the United Arab Emirates on 9 August 2026 after a long-running Garda inquiry (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationHis solicitor described the case as an international investigation (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeKinahan was charged in August with directing an organised crime group between 2015 and 2017. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeKinahan faces a single charge of directing the activities of a criminal organisation between October 18th, 2015, and April 6th, 2017. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeHe is charged with directing a criminal organisation, a charge carrying a maximum penalty of life in prison. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeHe is accused of directing a criminal organisation between 18 October 2015 and 6 April 2017 under section 71A of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeKinahan is charged with directing a criminal organisation between 18 October 2015 and 6 April 2017 under section 71A of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeKinahan is accused of directing the Kinahan Organised Crime Group over a feud that resulted in 18 murders (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeKinahan is accused of directing a criminal organisation between 18 October 2015 and 6 April 2017 contrary to section 71A of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeKinahan faces a single charge of directing the activities of a criminal organisation. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeHe is charged with directing the activities of a crime gang between 18 October 2015 and 6 April 2017. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeHe is charged with directing a criminal organisation between 18 October 2015 and 6 April 2017 under section 71A of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 (irishmirror.ie)
- courtKinahan was remanded in custody to Portlaoise Prison. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe case returns before the Special Criminal Court early next month. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe case is listed for mention before a non-jury three-judge court on October 5th. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe court is expected to be updated by Director of Public Prosecutions lawyers on preparation of a book of evidence. (irishtimes.com)
- courtKinahan was not legally represented at the August 9th hearing. (irishtimes.com)
- courtOn October 5th the court is expected to be told whether Kinahan has instructed lawyers or is applying for legal aid. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe case is being heard in the non-jury Special Criminal Court in central Dublin. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtAt the 9 August hearing, Kinahan had no legal representation present. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtJudge Patrick McGrath presided over the 9 August hearing. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe 9 August hearing lasted 13 minutes. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtAny bail application by Kinahan can only be made before the High Court on notice. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtKinahan appeared via video link from Portlaoise Prison at the Special Criminal Court (irishmirror.ie)
- courtIt was his second court appearance since extradition on 9 August (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe case was adjourned to 11 October at 11am when Kinahan will appear in person (irishmirror.ie)
- courtKinahan was arrested at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnell at 6.49pm (irishmirror.ie)
- courtKinahan was arrested on the tarmac and transported in a convoy to the Special Criminal Court (irishmirror.ie)
- courtAssistant Commissioner Angela Willis, Detective Chief Superintendent Seamus Boland and Detective Superintendent David Gallagher were present in court (irishmirror.ie)
- courtKinahan was remanded into custody and taken to Portlaoise Prison in Co Laois (irishmirror.ie)
- courtJudge Caroline Biggs adjourned the case to the following morning. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtDavid Perry BL told the court that Mr Mackin was due to come on record but could not attend due to unexpected last minute professional difficulties. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtKinahan had not entered a plea yet. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe prosecution applied for an adjournment until December 21st. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe judge granted the adjournment so the book of evidence could be prepared. (irishtimes.com)
- courtKinahan will apply for bail at the High Court in due course. (irishtimes.com)
- courtKinahan appeared in person at the Special Criminal Court in central Dublin on Monday 12 October 2026. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe bail application would have to be made in front of a High Court judge. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe case was adjourned to 21 December for service of a book of evidence. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtKinahan appeared in person at the Special Criminal Court on 12 October 2026 (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe hearing lasted two minutes and he did not speak (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe case was adjourned to 21 December 2026 (irishmirror.ie)
- courtHe will be presented with the book of evidence on 21 December (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThere is a 189-page statement of facts in the investigation (irishmirror.ie)
- courtA bail application is expected in the coming weeks (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe three judges were Caroline Biggs (presiding), Sarah Berkeley, and Kevin Staunton, with no jury (irishmirror.ie)
- sentenceSean McGovern was jailed for 24 years for directing a criminal organisation (irishmirror.ie)
- sentenceThe maximum penalty for directing a crime gang upon conviction is life. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherSince August Kinahan has approached several lawyers about taking on his case privately. (irishtimes.com)
- otherKinahan is believed to have asked to appear in person at the October 5th hearing rather than by video link. (irishtimes.com)
- otherKinahan is the first Irish person extradited from the UAE under a new permanent extradition treaty. (irishtimes.com)
- otherKinahan had lived in Dubai with his wife and five children for the last 10 years. (irishtimes.com)
- otherKinahan will appear via videolink from Portlaoise Prison rather than in person. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherIt is his second court appearance since being brought back from Dubai on 9 August. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherKinahan has been on remand in Portlaoise Prison since the 9 August hearing. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherHerbert was shot five times in 2008 during an attempted hit in Marbella, Spain (irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe government jet was a Dassault Falcon 6X purchased for €53 million (irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe jet landed at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnell at 6.30pm Irish time (irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe entire flight to and from Dubai cost around €110,000 (irishmirror.ie)
- otherArmed Gardaí and the Irish Prison Service mounted a major security operation to get Kinahan to and from court. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherHe was to be transported in a Garda convoy including ERU and ASU officers for a 170km round trip. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherHe was to be transported in a recently purchased armoured Prisons Service van that can withstand gun and IED attacks. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherA heavy Garda presence was planned at the Special Criminal Court hours before his 11am hearing. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherHe had appeared at a hearing the previous Monday via videolink. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherHis Belfast-based solicitor Darragh Mackin of Phoenix Law was representing Garvaghy Road residents at a High Court case in Belfast over the planned Orange Order Drumcree parade. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherKinahan wore a dark grey suit and glasses and had a short grey beard, and confirmed his identity by saying 'yes I am'. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherKinahan was brought back to Ireland from Dubai on the €53 million Government jet on 9 August. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherKinahan was the first Irish person extradited from the UAE under a new permanent extradition treaty. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe defence pledged to vehemently defend the case. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe defence hopes the trial will take place in the early part of next year. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe hearing lasted two minutes. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherIt was his third appearance since extradition from the UAE on 9 August. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherHe has been held in Portlaoise Prison in Co Laois since his extradition. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe court heard Kinahan had been investigated for two offences, one in Dubai and one in Spain, and acquitted of both. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherIrish authorities sent a 189-page statement of facts to the UAE over the extradition. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe defence is seeking expert examination of the digital evidence in the case. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherKinahan was transported to court in an armoured Prisons Service van. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherKinahan did not speak during the hearing but conferred briefly with his solicitor afterwards. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherHe has been held in Portlaoise Prison in Co Laois since 9 August 2026 (irishmirror.ie)
- otherHis solicitor is Darragh Mackin (irishmirror.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 12 Oct2026Daniel Kinahan silent in packed courtroom as he seeks bail - full recap
Third court appearance; Kinahan appeared in person for the first time (previous appearances were via videolink). Case adjourned to 21 December 2026 for presentation of the book of evidence. Solicitor indicated a bail application is expected in the coming weeks and noted the international nature of the investigation.
accused, Daniel Kinahan, 49, male, named, irish (judged from name)Daniel Kinahan - 12 Oct2026Daniel Kinahan is silent in packed court - but is set to make bid for freedom
Third court appearance; bail application to be made in coming weeks; case adjourned to 21 December for service of book of evidence; defence seeking expert examination of digital evidence; disclosure sought on two international investigations (Spain and Dubai) where Kinahan was acquitted; 189-page statement of facts sent to UAE for extradition.
accused, Daniel Kinahan, 49, male, named, irish (judged from name)Daniel Kinahan - 12 Oct2026Daniel Kinahan to apply for bail ‘in due course’, court told
Adds details on planned bail application at the High Court, disclosure of two foreign investigations, extradition details from the UAE, the 189-page statement of fact, and the defence's expectation of a trial in early 2027.
accused, Daniel Kinahan, 49, male, Irish, named, irishDaniel Kinahan - 11 Oct2026Gardai prepare major security operation to get Daniel Kinahan to court in person
Details the security arrangements for Kinahan's in-person appearance, including an armed Garda convoy with ERU and ASU officers, an armoured Prisons Service van, and a heavy Garda presence at the Special Criminal Court. Provides background on his extradition from Dubai on 9 August 2026, his first court appearance, and the adjournment from 5 October due to his solicitor's unavailability.
suspect, Daniel Kinahan, 49, male, named, irish (judged from name)Daniel Kinahan - 5 Oct2026Daniel Kinahan appears in court via video link as ex-gangster supports outside
Describes Kinahan's second court appearance via video link on 5 October 2026, the adjournment to 11 October, Marvin Herbert's presence outside court, and detailed background on the 24-hour extradition operation from Dubai including the government jet flight, arrest on the tarmac, and first court hearing in August.
accused, Daniel Kinahan, male, named, irish (judged from name)Daniel Kinahan - 5 Oct2026Daniel Kinahan set for court hearing over gangland charge but there's a twist
Reports that Kinahan opted to appear via videolink from Portlaoise Prison rather than in person at the 5 October hearing, and provides details of the 13-minute 9 August initial hearing including his lack of legal representation, his comments about being isolated in Dubai, and the judge's note that any bail application must be made before the High Court.
accused, Daniel Kinahan, 49, male, named, irish (judged from name)Daniel Kinahan - 25 Sep2026Daniel Kinahan expected to appear in person at court hearing next month
Details the upcoming 5 October mention hearing, Kinahan's wish to appear in person requiring a major security operation, his lack of legal representation at the 9 August hearing, and that he is the first Irish person extradited from the UAE under the new permanent extradition treaty.
accused, Daniel Kinahan, Irish, named, irishDaniel Kinahan