UAE Minister issues statement after extradition of Kinahan chief Sean McGovern
McGovern was flown by the Irish Air Corps from Dubai and brought to court in Dublin under Garda escort
The minister for justice in the United Arab Emirates has hailed the police forces of both countries following the recent extradition of Kinahan chief Sean McGovern to Ireland.
Abdullah bin Sultan Al Nuaimi and Minister of Justice Jim O'Callaghan spoke by phone following the extradition of the Irish national, who is accused of murder and involvement in a criminal organisation.
It followed a decision issued by the Dubai Court of Cassation after McGovern had spent eight months in prison in Dubai.
According to a statement issued by the UAE, both ministers emphasised that the extradition underscores a firm and ongoing joint commitment to upholding the rule of law and fostering international cooperation.
'It reflects the strong relationship between the UAE and Ireland, our continued collaboration in the pursuit of international justice and a shared determination to ensure that justice is served,' the statement reads.
'This positive development is further evidence of the excellent criminal justice cooperation between the governments of the UAE and Ireland and highlights our joint dedication to ensuring that criminal prosecutions may be brought against those who attempt to evade justice.'
Both ministers commended the Dubai Police and gardai 'for their ongoing engagement and commitment to enhancing police-to-police cooperation, recognising their vital role in joint efforts to combat the global threat of organised crime'.
'The two sides emphasised the importance of continued collaboration and joint initiatives between their respective police agencies to promote security, uphold the rule of law, and safeguard justice across borders.'
McGovern was flown by the Irish Air Corps from Dubai and brought to court in Dublin under Garda escort
Senior Kinahan gang member McGovern is back in Ireland after what has been described as a 'complicated and secretive' extradition process.
Gardaí believed he was being returned home on a couple of other occasions in recent months, only for legal issues to arise at the last minute.
The 39-year-old Dubliner is one of cartel leader Daniel Kinahan's closest confidants. The leadership of the Kinahan cartel, including Daniel, his father Christy Sr and brother Christopher Jr, remain in Dubai.
The Kinahans are 'not panicking' over McGovern's extradition and 'have no plans to flee Dubai', according to garda intelligence.
'They've no plans to flee, and if they did, we would be able to find them because of international co-operation,' a source said.
Sean McGovern
News in 90 Seconds - 5th June 2025
Gardaí are awaiting a direction from the DPP on whether Daniel Kinahan and other members of his family should face a range of criminal charges, including leadership of an organised crime gang.
The state prosecutor has been considering an extensive garda file on Daniel Kinahan and other senior cartel members for two years.
'It could be a good sign there is no direction yet. It means the DPP is very thoroughly looking at it,' the source said.
As first reported in the Sunday World last year, the proposed extradition of McGovern was seen as a 'test case' for plans to eventually attempt to return Daniel Kinahan to Ireland to face charges.
The source pointed out that navigating the extradition process for McGovern would prove 'very helpful' if gardaí make attempts to extradite Daniel Kinahan.
'The extradition process for Sean McGovern was challenging. Due process had to take place, which meant a lot of legal issues had to be overcome,' the source said.
A good relationship was developed with authorities in the United Arab Emirates and there was a significant amount of help from Interpol on this case too, but it was a secretive process and very different to our own.'
It is understood gardaí did not receive regular updates on developments in Dubai in relation to McGovern's planned extradition and instead 'had to trust the process'.
Meanwhile, the father-of-two's journey home on a military aircraft that made a number of stops en route passed off without incident.
McGovern's partner and the mother of his two children is expected to return to Ireland from Dubai.
McGovern, formerly of Kildare Road, Crumlin, is the most senior member of the Kinahan crime group to be charged before the Irish courts.
He appeared in the Special Criminal Court last Thursday evening, shortly after arriving in Ireland. He is charged with the murder of Noel Kirwan (62) at St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin, on December 22, 2016.
Kirwan was shot dead as he sat in his car with his partner in the driveway of her home. He was not involved in the feud, but was targeted after being spotted beside Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch at a funeral.
McGovern is also charged with directing a criminal organisation involved in the conspiracy to murder a rival gangster.
The alleged offences were carried out as part of the Hutch-Kinahan feud, which claimed up to 18 lives in Ireland and abroad.
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