Dubai investigators travel to Ireland to bring down the Kinahan cartel bosses

The Sunday World has learned that the formal offer was made by the Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police following a high-level meeting in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) earlier this month.

The unprecedented level of cooperation between security agencies represents another significant development in international efforts to combat the murderous crime group.

Commissioner Drew Harris said yesterday that the recent trip to Dubai was to develop the Garda’s relationship with police there around the sharing of intelligence and evidence.

The Kinahan Cartel’s leadership, including Christy Kinahan and his two sons Daniel and Christopher Jr., are still based in Dubai, along with several senior associates.

Speaking today, Mr Harris said he had a “very positive” meeting with the Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri.

The commissioner also said there had been an exchange of letters and understanding between police forces, but said he did not want to outline the next steps in the strategy surrounding the Kinahan cartel.

The Irish Independent has learned that the letter was a formal offer of a bilateral agreement between police services and was sent within 48 hours of Mr Harris’s visit to Dubai.

This included an offer that Dubai Police would send an investigative team to Ireland to further the investigation into the Kinahan crime group, which the Garda Commissioner agreed to.

The recent high-level meeting was also attended by Assistant Commissioner Justin Kelly, who has responsibility for serious and organized crime, and was the first time the senior gardaí have officially visited the UAE.

The meeting was also attended by senior police officers responsible for financial crime and money laundering investigations in Dubai.

Mr Kelly had previously held discussions with US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) officials about investigations into the Kinahan leadership.

Last month, a comprehensive investigative file was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service recommending that Daniel Kinahan be charged with leading an organized crime gang.

A large part of the case is based on interfering with cell phone communications, with the crime carrying a maximum penalty of life in prison, according to the conviction.

Security services continue to monitor the movements of Crumlin man Sean McGovern, who is to be charged here with murder and involvement in the conspiracy to murder Hutch associate James “Mago” Gately.

McGovern, described as Daniel Kinahan’s “close confidant”, is believed to still be in Dubai and is continuing to work towards his return to face charges in the Special Criminal Court.

While there is no formal extradition treaty between Ireland and the United Arab Emirates, high-profile criminals have previously been deported from the emirate to countries where they face prosecution.

Last year, the US Treasury Department announced a total reward of $15 million for information leading to the dismantling of the Kinahan Cartel leadership.

This included any assistance that would lead to the prosecution and conviction of Christy Kinahan Snr and his sons.

Investigators believe Daniel Kinahan is responsible for the gang’s day-to-day operations, while his brother is responsible for finances.