Kinahan, 49, has been held in Dubai since April last year after being arrested on foot of a warrant issued by the Irish courts.
His legal efforts to challenge extradition have now come to an end after he lost his final appeal. Irish authorities are preparing to return him to Ireland, where he is expected to face charges alleging that he directed an organised crime group.
The Government’s new Dassault Falcon 6X departed from Casement Aerodrome at Baldonnel this morning and is due to arrive in the UAE later today.
The aircraft is expected to bring Kinahan back to Ireland tomorrow, following which he is due to appear before the Special Criminal Court.
Significant security measures are expected to accompany his return, with An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces and the Irish Prison Service all involved in the operation.
The prison service has recently strengthened its capacity to deal with prisoners considered particularly high-risk. This includes the acquisition of a specially protected escort vehicle designed to provide additional security when transporting suspected gang leaders, terrorists and other dangerous prisoners.
Security arrangements at Portlaoise Prison have also been enhanced, with facilities at the maximum-security institution recently upgraded.
Kinahan’s return marks the next stage in a lengthy legal process surrounding his extradition and is expected to involve a substantial security operation from the moment he arrives back in Ireland.
