Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan has said the extradition of Sean McGovern from the United Arab Emirates is part of continued cooperation between the two countries to uphold the rule of law and prosecute those who attempt to evade justice.
Mr O'Callaghan has said he spoke by phone last week with the Minister of Justice of the UAE His Excellency Abdullah bin Sultan Al Nuaimi following a decision issued by the Dubai Court of Cassation to extradite McGovern.
The 39-year-old has been charged with murder and organised crime offences and is due again before the Special Criminal Court tomorrow.
Three senior members of the Kinahan Organised Crime Group, Christy Kinahan senior, Daniel Kinahan and Christopher junior remain in Dubai while the Director of Public Prosecutions considers other criminal charges.
Mr O'Callaghan has said the extradition of McGovern "reflects the strong relationship between the UAE and Ireland, our continued collaboration in the pursuit of international justice and a shared determination to ensure that justice is served."
He also described it as a "positive development" which "highlights our joint dedication to ensuring that criminal prosecutions may be brought against those who attempt to evade justice."
Both ministers also commended the Dubai Police and An Garda Síochána for their ongoing engagement and commitment to enhancing police-to-police cooperation as part of joint efforts to combat the global threat of organised crime.
The bilateral agreements on extradition and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters between Ireland and the United Arab Emirates came into force on 18 May 2025.
McGovern, with a previous address at Kildare Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12, is charged with the murder of Noel Kirwan on 22 December 2016 at St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin in Dublin.
He is also charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation in connection with the same murder between 20 October 2016 and 22 December 2016.
He is charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation in connection with the surveillance of James Gately in preparation for the commission of an indictable offence between 17 October 2015 and 6 April 2017.
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McGovern charged with murder after extradition from UAE
Another charge alleges that between 20 October and 22 December 2016 he contributed to or participated in activity intending or being reckless as to whether such activity would facilitate a criminal organisation in the murder of Mr Kirwan.
He faces a similar charge of facilitating a criminal organisation in a conspiracy to murder James Gately.
