Extradition request for man with suspected link to Kinahan gang

A man arrested in April in a luxury apartment believed by gardaí to be linked to the Kinahan criminal gang has appeared before the High Court on foot of a European Arrest Warrant seeking his surrender to the Netherlands.

Naoufal Fassih (36) is wanted in the Netherlands on charges of money laundering, assault and possessing false documentation.

A Dutch national of Moroccan origin, Fassih was arrested in April during a raid on an apartment on Baggot Street.

On Monday at the High Court, Det Sgt Sean Fallon told counsel for the State Ronan Kennedy that he arrested Fassih on foot of a European Arrest Warrant.

The detective said that Fassih is wanted in Holland on money-laundering offences, arising from a search conducted in Dublin in April.

Previously, Fassih appeared at the High Court in April on foot of an earlier warrant issued by the Dutch police seeking his extradition on charges of money laundering, assault and possessing false documentation.

Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly said that she was satisfied the man in court was the man named in the new warrant.

Fake papers

She remanded Fassih in custody until this Wednesday, July 27th, when his case is listed for mention again.

In April, at Dublin District Court, Fassih was charged with possessing a false passport and identity card.

During that hearing gardaí told the court they believed the apartment was connected to the Kinahan gang.

The court also heard that Fassih was wearing €800 runners and a €40,000 watch when he was arrested.

He was also charged with an offence under the Immigration Act and a minor drugs charge for simple possession of cannabis.

Last month, at Cloverhill District Court, Fassih pleaded guilty to possessing a false passport and cannabis.