Alleged Irish crime boss Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation

DUBLIN, Aug 9 (Reuters) - Alleged Irish crime gang boss Daniel Kinahan was charged with directing a criminal organisation by prosecutors in Dublin on Sunday amid tight security at a special court sitting following his extradition from the United Arab Emirates. Kinahan, 49, was arrested in Dubai in April. He was handed over to Irish authorities in Dubai on Sunday and flown by Irish government jet to a military base on the outskirts of Dublin. He was then taken directly to court for a highly unusual Sunday night sitting and was remanded in custody. He was dressed in a black hoodie, black trousers and flip-flops and said he understood the charges. "I think we know I won't be getting bail, but thank you so much for explaining," Kinahan replied when a judge told him bail could only be sought through the High Court. U.S. authorities offered a $5 million reward for their arrests. In a joint statement, the justice ministers of the UAE and Ireland described Kinahan as "one of the most high-profile individuals sought for prosecution in connection with transnational organised crime." U.S. authorities named Kinahan in 2022 as "one of three leaders of the Kinahan Organised Crime Group." Kinahan apologised for not having a lawyer, saying he had been isolated in Dubai since Friday and assumed a family member would have arranged representation. He had lived openly in Dubai for ten years and, until recently, helped organise high-profile boxing fights. Kinahan is due to appear in the court either in person or via video link next on October 5.