Kicked out of Dubai: Where will Irish mob boss Christy Kinahan go now?

Irish mob boss Christy Kinahan is facing an exit from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday after his residence visa was cancelled, with Iran emerging as a possible destination following more than a decade in Dubai.

Kinahan, the Irish founder of the Kinahan Organised Crime Group, built a €1.5 billion drugs and crime cartel and is required to leave the UAE by the end of Tuesday after authorities cancelled his residence visa.

The 69-year-old is reportedly seeking a new home after being granted a 30-day grace period following the cancellation of his visa at the end of last month.

According to DublinLive, citing sources, Kinahan is expected to comply with the Emirati authorities’ instructions.

The publication reported that Africa and Asia were among his remaining options after the US imposed sanctions on Kinahan and his sons, Daniel and Christopher, in 2022.

All three Kinahan men are also subject to US rewards of up to $5 million for information leading to their arrest or conviction.

DublinLive also reported that Kinahan could potentially relocate to Iran, amid allegations that his cartel had ties to the Islamic Republic.

Kinahan has reportedly ruled out most countries in Europe and the Americas, while the sanctions regime has severely restricted his ability to travel.

Airlines risk potential penalties for providing services to sanctioned individuals, while many countries could refuse to allow him through their borders.

Sources cited by DublinLive also identified other potential destinations, including Zimbabwe, where Kinahan has reportedly previously spent time.

The mob boss allegedly posed as a businessman during rare trips outside Dubai.

Reports have also suggested that Kinahan could explore other options, including Saudi Arabia, Oman and Turkey.

The latest developments follow the extradition of Kinahan’s eldest son, Daniel, from Dubai to Ireland, where he faces charges of directing the activities of a criminal organisation.

Meanwhile, Netherlands-based investigative journalism group Bellingcat reported last month that Kinahan’s other son, Christopher, had been issued a new two-year UAE visa despite his status as a sanctioned individual.