The Irish government jet has travelled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of an operation to extradite Daniel Kinahan, who is suspected of being a crime boss. Mr Kinahan was arrested in Dubai in April under a warrant issued by the Irish courts.
He has fought attempts to extradite him, but his appeals have been unsuccessful. According to Irish broadcaster RTÉ, Mr Kinahan is expected to be flown back to Ireland on Sunday and will then be taken to the Special Criminal Court in Dublin.
RTÉ has also stated that a large security operation will be in place upon his return to Ireland, and facilities at the maximum-security Portlaoise Prison have been upgraded by the prison service. Irish authorities are expected to prosecute Mr Kinahan for his alleged involvement in leading an organised crime group.
The US government imposed sanctions on Daniel Kinahan in April 2022, identifying him and other family members as leaders of the Kinahan organised crime cartel. His lawyer previously told BBC Panorama that he has no criminal record or convictions and that allegations of him being a crime boss are false and lack evidential basis.