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Estonian hitman jailed over cartel murder plot to challenge extradition for murder of pop star's lover
Summary
Imre Arakas, 62, was jailed by the Special Criminal Court for six years in December 2018 after admitting to conspiring with the Kinahan cartel to murder James Gately in Northern Ireland on 3–4 April 2017. He is serving his sentence in a segregated block at Portlaoise Prison. Lithuanian authorities suspect Arakas, a former ex‑wrestler and separatist, was part of a three‑man gang that planned to murder a man who had an affair with Lithuanian pop star Vita Jakutiene. Lithuanian police seek his surrender to face charges of murder, firearms offences, conspiracy related to the shooting of Deimantas Bugavicius, and a separate criminal damage charge. Arakas was arrested in Dublin in February 2018 under a European Arrest Warrant issued by Lithuania. He will challenge the extradition bid in October, with a hearing set for 9 October after a mention on 20 July. The court noted that his sentence is due to expire in October 2029.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Estonian hitman jailed over cartel murder plot to challenge extradition for murder of pop star's lover. Charges or matters: conspiring with others to murder Mr Gately in Northern Ireland between April 3 and 4, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 2018 Incident
- April 3 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 2018 Incident
- 9 October Hearing Or Sentence
- 20 July Hearing Or Sentence
- April 3, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 2029 Hearing Or Sentence
- 10 September Hearing Or Sentence
- 2020-06-15 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: conspiring with others to murder Mr Gately in Northern Ireland between April 3 and 4, 2017 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Imre Arakas (62) was jailed by the Special Criminal Court for six years in December 2018 after he admitted to conspiring with others to murder James Gately in Northern Ireland between April 3 and 4, 2017. However, Arakas was jailed by the non-jury Special Criminal Court for six years in December 2018 after he pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to murder Mr Gately in Northern Ireland between April 3 and 4, 2017.
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