No more safe haven for mob

MEMBERS of the Kinahan Cartel and their associates long considered Dubai to be a sun-drenched safe haven.

- BY DANNY DE VAAL

For years, the organisation's hierarchy acted as puppet masters - pulling the strings of foot soldiers who wreaked havoc on Irish streets - directly from their plush base in the Gulf State.

Senior members acted with absolute impunity and believed they would never be held accountable for their actions.

Last October, two significant developments fractured that illusion. Daniel Kinahan's loyal right-hand man Sean McGovern was arrested at his home in Dubai - more than two years after a European arrest warrant and an Interpol Red Notice were issued.

The next was when former Justice Minister Helen McEntee signed an extradition treaty with the United Arab Emirates which ultimately paved the way for his return.

McGovern spent months fighting his extradition - his attempts however were futile.

Years of running, ducking and evading the law were coming to an end.