Gangsters Paradise: Why do so many British mobsters flee to Dubai? trends now
A generation of British gangsters have made Dubai the new Marbella thanks to the protection provided to them by local elites, it has been claimed by a legal expert.
Criminals from Dublin to Dundee have all flocked to Dubai over the last decade, often posing for selfie-type photographs drenched in designer gear and jewellery.
The leaders of the Kinahan crime cartel are said to be based in Dubai, where they appear to be beyond the reach of Irish police and the Drug Enforcement Agency.
The Sunday Times recently reported that Christy Kinahan senior, one of the world's most wanted men, was living freely in Dubai and renewed his ID card in November 2021.
The US treasury department's Office of Foreign Assets Control and Drug Enforcement Administration, Ireland's Garda Siochana, the UK's National Crime Agency and Europol launched sanctions and a $5 million bounty on the Kinahans in April 2022.
A legal expert told MailOnline that many British criminals were attracted to Dubai for one reason specific reason.
A generation of British gangsters have made Dubai the new Marbella thanks to the protection provided to them by local elites (Stock image)
Christy Kinahan senior, one of the world's most wanted men, is reportedly living freely in Dubai and renewed his ID card in November 2021.
U.S. authorities said Daniel Kinahan lives on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah artificial islands, which often attracts films stars, footballers and the occasional oligarch
He said: 'I am hearing fugitives and people who could be become wanted by the authorities in the UK are there due to a cosy relationship with local elites.
'If a crime agency or police force wish to execute a warrant in the UAE, local officials have to be informed before the warrant is executed. Basically certain criminals will be tipped off about a warrant with their name on.
'This gives them chance to move location for the duration of the warrant. The big fish are protected and always one stop ahead.
'Let's just say there are some very cosy relationships and money buys influence and local connections.
'Basically all they need to do is check into a hotel for a few days and wait for the fuss to die down.'
This rationale would explain why so many powerful criminals have flocked to Dubai over the last decade or so.
Merseysider Paul Cahoon, a former mixed martial arts fighter, is thought to have headed to Dubai following his implication in a drug conspiracy
Criminals from Dublin to Dundee have all flocked to Dubai over the last decade (Stock image)
Michael Moogan, from Croxeth in Liverpool, was arrested in Dubai after being wanted by police for years
While there have been some high profile arrests, the NCA has enjoyed far more success in Europe than in Dubai.
The Sunday Times and investigate website Bellingcat recently revealed how Chrisy Kinahan senior was a prolific restaurant reviewer, documenting his visits to food and drink spots in Dubai.
One of Mr Kinahan's posts read: 'I visited the Department of Economic Development in the Dubai Mall, 7 November 2021 at about 11:30. I went there to use the interactive machine to update my Emirates ID.
'The only interaction with the staff that I had was with a security officer, who was most helpful in guiding me to the machine and then advising me on its use. Based on my experience whilst visiting this office I rate this visit 5 star.'
Dubai has also proven to be a lodestar for criminals from Liverpool and Manchester over recent years, in the way Marbella used to pull in East End gangsters from the 70s and 80s.
Merseysider Paul Cahoon, a former mixed martial arts fighter, is thought to have headed to Dubai following his implication in a drug conspiracy. Cahoon, said to be working as a fitness coach in the UAE, has been wanted by the North West
