The extraordinary preparations come as police continue planning for Kinahan’s extradition from Dubai after he reportedly lost his final appeal against being returned to Ireland.
A section of Ireland’s highest security prison has been upgraded and a bomb-proof prison van purchased as authorities prepare for the expected arrival of crime boss Daniel Kinahan.
The Irish Mirror understands that one of the most secure areas of Portlaoise Prison has been refurbished with its own gym and library, with Kinahan expected to have exclusive access if he is remanded there following his return to Ireland.
The major security operation has seen the Irish Prison Service (IPS) create a dedicated secure unit where Kinahan would be held separately from the wider prison population.
Alongside the upgraded facilities, additional prison officers are expected to be deployed to guard the area around the clock following a security review carried out by the IPS in consultation with Gardaí.
It has also emerged that the prison service has acquired a new bullet and bomb-resistant escort van, first reported by RTÉ, which is expected to be used to transport Kinahan from the airport to prison.
The specially protected vehicle is understood to have been sourced from the UK and features ballistic armour capable of withstanding rifle fire, along with reinforced flooring and body panels designed to offer protection against explosives.
Despite its enhanced security, the van is designed to look identical to the rest of the Irish Prison Service fleet, making it difficult to distinguish from standard escort vehicles.
‘Loking forward to returning to Ireland’
The extraordinary preparations come as Gardaí continue planning for Kinahan’s extradition from Dubai after he reportedly lost his final appeal against being returned to Ireland.
The alleged cartel boss had previously delayed the process by pursuing a further appeal through the Dubai courts. However, that legal challenge has now concluded, clearing the way for his return.
Sources have indicated that Kinahan could be flown back to Ireland within weeks, with August now considered the most likely timeframe.
He is expected to be transported on a Government aircraft before appearing before the Special Criminal Court in Dublin, where Gardaí intend to charge him with directing a criminal organisation, an offence carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The operation is expected to rank among the largest and most complex security exercises ever undertaken by the State.
Earlier this week, podcaster James English claimed Kinahan was “looking forward” to returning to Ireland and suggested the extradition process had been “fast tracked”.
Writing on Instagram, English said Kinahan would be willing to give interviews after returning to Ireland. His claims have not been confirmed by authorities.
The case against Kinahan is understood to centre partly on encrypted communications recovered from so-called Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) devices allegedly used by members of the Kinahan cartel.
Gardaí allege encrypted handles including “Bon Neww”, “Bon4” and “Cap” belonged to Kinahan and were used to direct senior cartel figures during the deadly Hutch-Kinahan feud.
Evidence presented in previous Special Criminal Court proceedings included messages allegedly discussing the murder of Eddie Hutch following the Regency Hotel shooting in February 2016, as well as communications linked to an alleged plot targeting James Gately in 2017.
Investigators also believe Kinahan played a central role in directing cartel activities from abroad following the Regency Hotel attack, during which associate David Byrne was shot dead and Kinahan himself was among those targeted.
Kinahan has consistently denied involvement in organised crime and has not been convicted of any offence in relation to those allegations. Any charges brought following his return to Ireland would be subject to the criminal justice process.
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