Daniel Kinahan remanded on charge of directing a criminal organisation

By Rebecca Black, Press Association and Eoin Reynolds.

Daniel Kinahan has been remanded in custody after appearing before an Irish court charged with directing an organised crime group.

Kinahan, 49, was not represented by a lawyer during the brief hearing before three judges at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin.

He was charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation between October 18th 2015 and April 6th 2017.

Kinahan was extradited to Ireland from Dubai in an Irish Government jet.

He appeared in the dock wearing a black hoodie and put on a pair of dark-rimmed glasses after taking his seat.

Detective Sergeant Colin Davidson told the court that he had arrested Kinahan at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel at 6.49 pm that day.

The prosecution is being led by Dean Kelly SC with Tessa White BL.

State solicitor Fiona Downes told the court this evening that Mr Kinahan was unrepresented. She said she understood gardai had offered to get him representation but the accused man said his family had made arrangements.

At the outset of the brief hearing, presiding judge Judge Patrick McGrath put it to Kinahan that he was not represented.

Kinahan replied: "Yes, that's correct I didn't have time to arrange anything".

The accused man continued: "I said to gardai I was taken in Dubai and isolated from Friday afternoon. I presumed a family member would make contact to make representation but I had no contact with family".

Judge McGrath said they would proceed with his charging tonight and when he is in a position he could get legal representation. "If I have some time, yes your honour," he replied.

Detective Sergeant Colm Davidson gave evidence of Mr Kinahan's arrest, charge and caution.

The detective told Ms Downes that he arrested the accused man at Casement Aerodrome at 6.49pm this evening on foot of the warrant issued by the Special Criminal Court.

The detective informed the accused man that he was to be brought before the court to be charged.

The detective explained to him the reason for his arrest in ordinary language before cautioning him. He said Mr Kinahan confirmed that he understood.

The court further heard that the detective met Kinahan in the precincts of the court building this evening, where he handed him a copy of the original charge sheet, which was explained to him.

The detective said he explained the charge in ordinary language.

McGrath told Mr Kinahan that it was in his interests to contact his lawyers and make whatever arrangements he wants to deal with the matter in the meantime.

"I understand everything, thank you, your honour," replied Kinahan.

Asked whether he wished to appear by video link or in person on the next date, Kinahan asked "do I have to decide now your honour?".

Judge McGrath said he did not and asked him to inform the prison governor of his decision and arrangements would be made.

"Thank you so much, your honour," said Kinahan.

Judge McGrath told Kinahan that if he wished to make a bail application it could only be made to the High Court and that would normally be sitting in Cloverhill, but this month it was taking place in the Criminal Courts of Justice Building.

"I understand, I think we know I won't be getting bail but thank you so much," said Kinahan.

Kinahan was remanded to next appear on October 5th.

Kinahan left Ireland in 2016 after he was alleged to have been the target of an assassination attempt at a boxing weigh-in at the Regency Hotel in Dublin.

David Byrne lost his life in the attack, but Kinahan was unhurt. He has been living for several years in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he is said to have multiple assets.

In 2024, the Government entered into a formal extradition treaty with the UAE to facilitate the surrender of people accused or convicted of crimes.

Kinahan challenged his extradition, but a court in Dubai ruled that he should be surrendered to the Irish authorities so that he can face trial here.

Previously, 40-year-old Sean McGovern of Kildare Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12, was extradited from the UAE.

He pleaded guilty to directing the activities of a criminal organisation in relation to a murder and an attempted murder and is serving a 24-year sentence.

It is alleged that a feud between the Kinahan and Hutch organised crime groups in Dublin has led to 18 murders.