Daniel Kinahan, an allegedly prominent figure in Ireland's organised crime underworld, has appeared in court in Dublin after being extradited from the United Arab Emirates.

The 49-year-old was formally charged with directing a criminal organisation during an unusual Sunday sitting of Ireland's Special Criminal Court.

Kinahan was flown from Dubai to Ireland on Sunday aboard a government airplane after being handed over to Irish authorities. He was taken from the airport directly to the court, where a heavy police presence surrounded the building.

The brief hearing took place without a jury, as is standard for serious organised crime cases heard by the Special Criminal Court.

Kinahan told the three-judge panel that he understood the charge against him. He did not have a solicitor present, explaining that he had been unable to arrange legal representation while in custody in Dubai.

He was subsequently detained in custody. Any application for bail will have to be made through Ireland's High Court.

Kinahan's arrest in Dubai in April brought an end to his long period living in the UAE. He had spent around 10 years in the country and became well known in international boxing circles, helping arrange major fights and working with some of the sport's biggest names.

He has previously rejected allegations that he is a crime boss. His lawyer told the BBC in 2021 that claims linking him to organised crime were false.

U.S. authorities, however, have identified Kinahan as one of three alleged leaders of the Kinahan Organised Crime Group. In 2022, the U.S. government designated the group a significant transnational criminal organisation and offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest of its leaders.

Irish authorities say the organisation has its roots in Dublin's drugs trade during the 1990s and later developed an international network involved in organised crime across Europe.

Kinahan's extradition was the result of cooperation between Ireland and the UAE. The two countries' justice ministers described him as one of the most high-profile individuals facing prosecution in connection with transnational organised crime.

The case now moves into a lengthy legal process. Kinahan is due back before the Special Criminal Court on October 5, when he is expected to appear either in person or by video link.