Interpol welcomes arrest of senior Kinahan gang member Sean McGovern

Interpol welcomed the arrest in Dubai of Sean McGovern, a senior figure in the Kinahan gang, describing him as “one of Ireland’s most wanted individuals”.

The crime cartel lieutenant, considered second in command to kingpin Daniel Kinahan, was arrested in the United Arab Emirates in connection with a murder in the Kinahan-Hutch feud and for directing organized crime.

Irish authorities are seeking his extradition to Ireland, despite there being no extradition treaty between the two countries.

McGovern is expected to be taken to court in Dubai for a judge to decide whether or not he can be legally extradited to Ireland – and whether he can challenge that decision. Furthermore, sources have indicated that Daniel Kinahan himself is next on gardaí’s list following McGovern’s arrest.

In a statement released on Friday, Interpol said it provided cooperation in McGovern’s arrest. He stated that his arrest followed the publication of an Interpol Red Notice, or international wanted persons alert, to support ongoing collaboration between Irish and UAE authorities.

“One of Ireland’s most wanted individuals has been arrested thanks to the combined efforts of Irish and UAE authorities,” said Interpol Secretary General Jurgen Stock.

“Cases like this highlight the value of international police cooperation through Interpol’s global network and underline once again that no fugitive can consider themselves safe from justice.”

His arrest was welcomed on Thursday by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, describing it as a “significant development in our ongoing efforts to combat transnational organized crime”.

Speaking about the wider investigation into the Kinahan organized crime gang, he said police officers have always said they would be resolute and tireless in pursuing these individuals.

“They are Irish citizens,” he said.

The Kinahan organized crime gang has created misery across the world. They were involved in very serious crimes. They are a murderous gang of drug dealers.

“They are one of our main objectives in terms of law enforcement and prosecution.

“I would speak, perhaps unusually, to other members of the Kinahan criminal gang. They should look around them. They should see what’s going on here and they should remember that there is $15 million open to US federal law enforcement and the US federal witness protection scheme.

“And they should consider it. They should consider their own future, taking into account the progress and entry we are making into the Kinahan organized crime group, collectively, not just us, but other partners, be it the National Crime Agency, Europol and our counterparts. US federal authorities.