An individual reportedly affiliated with the Kinahan organized crime syndicate is being repatriated to Ireland following extradition from the United Arab Emirates.
Sean McGovern, identified in the Special Criminal Court in Dublin as one of the leaders of this Irish criminal organization, was handed over to the GardaĆ in Dubai earlier on Wednesday.
McGovern is sought by authorities in Ireland regarding the murder of Noel Kirwan, who was killed in Dublin during the conflict between the Hutch and Kinahan gangs in December 2016, despite having no prior involvement in criminal activities.
He is being transported back to Ireland on an Irish military aircraft, which will need to make a stop for refueling during the journey and is not anticipated to arrive in Dublin until late Thursday afternoon.
Upon landing at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel, he is expected to be formally arrested and subsequently taken to the Special Criminal Court in Dublin.
McGovern was detained in the UAE last October after an Interpol red notice was issued against him.
Following his arrest, Ireland completed an extradition treaty with the United Arab Emirates.
In 2021, U.S. authorities imposed sanctions on McGovern and six other suspected senior members of the Kinahan crime syndicate to disrupt their financial activities.