The unlikely reason why Daniel Kinahan’s looming extradition – just as Ireland-bound Donald Trump prepares to repeat his World Cup trophy exploits in Doonbeg – is giving Justice Minister ‘Big Jim’ O’Callaghan nightmares
Ireland's Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan is reportedly dreading the prospect of overseeing the return of suspected mob boss Daniel Kinahan on a Government-owned jet, according to sources cited by the Irish Mail on Sunday. The awkward timing stems from the extradition coinciding with Donald Trump's confirmed visit to his Doonbeg Golf Resort in Co. Clare for the Amgen Irish Open, where the US president is expected to attend the prize-giving ceremony, creating a clash of high-profile events for the Irish Government to manage.
Kinahan, 48, has lost his final appeal against extradition in Dubai and will remain in custody there until he is handed over to Irish police, expected within the next six weeks. The son of notorious crime figure Christy "Dapper Don" Kinahan, he will face trial at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin on a charge of directing the activities of a criminal gang.
In short
- Daniel Kinahan loses final Dubai extradition appeal, due home within six weeks.
- His return coincides awkwardly with Trump's Doonbeg golf visit.
- Kinahan faces Special Criminal Court trial for directing a criminal gang.
Explained simply
Daniel Kinahan is an Irish national suspected by Irish authorities of leading an organised crime group. His father, Christy Kinahan, is also a prominent figure in Irish criminal history. The family has been linked to an international gang, though allegations must be proved in court.
Ireland is seeking Kinahan’s extradition from Dubai so he can face a charge of directing a criminal gang at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin. That court hears cases involving serious organised crime and operates without a jury. The case matters because it concerns how Ireland prosecutes alleged gang leadership.
Jim O’Callaghan is Ireland’s Justice Minister, responsible for the department involved in extradition and policing matters. Donald Trump’s planned visit to his golf resort in Doonbeg for the Irish Open is a separate high-profile event that may coincide with Kinahan’s return, presenting logistical demands for the Government.