Kinahan Plans Bail Application as Irish Court Sets December Hearing

Irish prosecutors are preparing evidence in a major organised crime case against Daniel Kinahan, who plans to seek release on bail through the High Court in Dublin. The 49-year-old appeared before the Special Criminal Court on Monday, October 12, 2026, facing one charge of directing a criminal organisation between October 18, 2015, and April 6, 2017. Judge Caroline Biggs remanded Kinahan in custody until December 21, granting prosecutors additional time to compile the evidence.

According to reports from RTÉ and The Irish Times, the prosecution expects the evidence file to be ready by that hearing. Prosecutor Dominic McGinn described the case as involving a "complex factual matrix." He told the three-judge court that the statement of facts supporting Kinahan's extradition from the United Arab Emirates contained 189 pages and would need to be converted into a document suitable for use in court.

McGinn requested the adjournment to allow the prosecution to complete its preparation. He said, "We anticipate the book will be prepared by that date," referring to the December 21 hearing.

Kinahan's solicitor, Darragh Mackin of Phoenix Law, told the court that the defense intended to submit a bail application through the High Court. The application is expected before the next scheduled appearance, according to The Irish Times. Mackin also said the defense needed an expert to examine digital evidence. The legal team is seeking disclosure of information relating to two other international investigations, one in Spain concerning an alleged organized crime offense and another in Dubai concerning money laundering.

According to RTÉ and The Irish Times, Mackin said Kinahan had been "acquitted" in both investigations. The defense wants the trial timetable to account for the examination of the digital material and the review of the requested records. Speaking outside court, Mackin said his client would "vehemently defend" the case. He also said the defense was "anxious to make progress" and was "comforted" that the evidence file was expected to be delivered before the end of the year.

Mackin said, "We look forward to a trial," and expressed hope that proceedings could begin in the early part of 2027. He also stated, "The rule of law applies to everyone. Nobody is above the rule of law and, equally, nobody is below the rule of law."

Kinahan faces the charge under Section 71A of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, as amended by the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009. The case concerns alleged conduct between the specified dates, and the charge has yet to be determined at trial. Kinahan was arrested in the United Arab Emirates in April 2026 following an Irish extradition request.

He was extradited to Ireland on August 9 aboard an Irish government aircraft and subsequently held at Portlaoise Prison, according to reports by the BBC and The Irish Times.

His appearance on October 12 was his third before the Special Criminal Court and his second in person, the BBC reported. The December 21 hearing is expected to address the progress of the prosecution's evidence preparation while Kinahan remains in custody.