Liam Byrne: The rise and fall of a major Irish gangland figure

Last week Liam Byrne, the alleged leader of the Kinahan cartel’s Irish operations, was extradited from Spain to the UK to stand trial and face charges related to the alleged supply of firearms to other crime gangs.

The 43-year-old, who was arrested while eating in a restaurant with his family in Mallorca in early June, had been living openly in Dubai for a couple of years before travelling to Europe for a holiday. Britain’s gun-related allegations are the first gangland charges Byrne has faced after a 20-year run that saw him rise to the top of Ireland’s drugs trade.

If he is charged, what sentence could he face? What does Byrne’s extradition tell us about the state of play in Ireland’s fight against organised crime? And, will other members of the Kinahan gang be next?

On today’s podcast, Irish Times security and crime editor Conor Lally reflects on the life of Liam Byrne and what lies ahead for organised crime in this country.