LAST UPDATE | 9 hrs ago

IRELAND HAS SIGNED two bilateral treaties with the United Arab Emirates on extradition and mutual legal assistance.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee signed the agreements in Abu Dhabi today with her Emirati counterpart Abdullah Bin Sultan Bin Awad Al Nuaimi.

A statement from the Department of Justice said the treaties will improve co-operation between Ireland and the UAE in fighting crime and facilitating extradition.

The Department said the treaties “cement this successful co-operation, and represent a crucial step in intensifying the combined fight to combat this serious threat”.

“Both emphasised the critical importance of having a sound legal basis grounded in international law for effective co-operation between judicial authorities in criminal matters, including criminal investigations, prosecutions, and proceedings,” the satement said.

This follows Minister McEntee opening negotiations with the UAE last year, and intensive engagements with Minister Al Nuaimi.

The government says it is taking “all necessary steps to dismantle organised crime” and the extradition treaties will be of “significant support” in tackling transnational drug trafficking gangs.

Irish and Emirati authorities have been cooperating in their investigations into the Kinahan Organised Crime network for a number of years. 

Last year, during a visit to Dubai by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, the prospect of an extradition treaty was raised, as part of broader discussions on cooperation.

Earlier this month, leading member of the Kinahan cartel Seán McGovern was arrested in Dubai where it is understood that he has been since 2016.

McGovern was shot in the botched Hutch gang hit to kill Daniel Kinahan at the Regency Hotel in 2016 which was a catalyst for an escalation in the Hutch/Kinahan feud.