Is Dubai the New Hideout for Major Scottish Gangsters?

Four prominent gangland figures from Scotland have been apprehended in Dubai, according to reports. The arrests involve Steven Lyons, Ross McGill, Stephen Jamieson, and Steven Larwood, all of whom are linked to serious criminal activities, including drug trafficking and a violent feud between rival gangs in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Last updated: 05 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Four Scottish gang leaders were arrested in Dubai on 3 October 2023.
• Police Scotland has been investigating a violent gang feud since March.
• Steven Lyons heads the Lyons crime group, involved in a long-standing rivalry with the Daniel clan.
• Operation Portaledge has led to 57 arrests in connection with gang violence.
• Uncertainty surrounds extradition processes and potential charges in Scotland.

The Arrests in Dubai

The recent arrests took place on Tuesday, 3 October 2023, and have significant implications for ongoing gang violence in Scotland. Police Scotland believes that the four individuals—Lyons, McGill, Jamieson, and Larwood—are deeply entrenched in criminal activities that extend beyond the UK. Reports suggest that intelligence sharing between UK and UAE authorities facilitated their apprehension.

Background on the Gang Feud

The arrests are linked to a violent feud that has escalated since March 2023, resulting in a series of assaults, shootings, and firebombings across Scotland. The conflict primarily involves the Lyons crime group, led by Steven Lyons, and the rival Daniel clan. This feud has been ongoing for over 20 years and has resulted in significant casualties, with the recent violence affecting communities in both Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Significance of the Arrests

Sources indicate that the significance of these arrests cannot be overstated. One insider noted that all four individuals operate at the highest echelons of organised crime, impacting both UK and international crime landscapes. Their capture may disrupt ongoing criminal operations and could lead to further arrests within their networks.

Profiles of the Arrested Individuals

Steven Lyons

As the head of the Lyons crime group, Steven Lyons has a notorious history, including surviving a shooting in 2006 that claimed the life of his cousin. Following this, he relocated to Spain and eventually settled in Dubai. His criminal activities have been closely monitored due to their violent nature and connections to gang-related incidents.

Ross McGill

Ross McGill, initially known for his involvement with the Rangers ultras group, the Union Bears, has emerged as a significant figure in the gangland feud. His conflict with Edinburgh drug dealer Mark Richardson reportedly triggered the current wave of violence. McGill's activities in recent months suggest a deepening involvement in drug trafficking and gang warfare.

Stephen Jamieson

Stephen Jamieson has been residing in Dubai for several years and has connections to Jamie "Iceman" Stevenson, who was sentenced for orchestrating a £100 million cocaine smuggling operation. Jamieson's links to high-profile criminals reinforce concerns about the reach of organised crime in international territories.

Steven Larwood

Larwood is a known associate of Steven Lyons and has previously lived in Spain before moving to Dubai. His connections to the Lyons group further complicate the ongoing investigation into the gang feud and its international ramifications.

Operation Portaledge

Operation Portaledge was initiated by Police Scotland to tackle the surge in gang-related violence. So far, the operation has led to 57 arrests, indicating the scale of the issue and the police's commitment to curtailing organised crime. While the arrests in Dubai are a significant step, the full impact of Operation Portaledge remains to be seen.

Next Steps and Legal Implications

It remains unclear whether the authorities will press charges against the arrested individuals or if extradition proceedings will be initiated. The potential for these men to be deemed a flight risk could complicate matters, as their criminal backgrounds may influence decisions made by the courts in both the UAE and the UK.

The Role of International Cooperation

The apprehension of these gang leaders highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating organised crime. Police Scotland's collaboration with UAE authorities demonstrates a proactive approach to tackling issues that transcend borders. However, the lack of clarity regarding the involvement of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in providing consular assistance raises questions about the diplomatic relations between the UK and UAE in criminal matters.

Conclusion: A Turning Point in the Gang Feud

The recent arrests of these high-profile figures could mark a turning point in the ongoing gang feud plaguing Scotland. With law enforcement agencies intensifying their efforts to dismantle criminal networks, the focus must now shift to ensuring justice and preventing further violence. The situation underscores the need for continued vigilance and collaboration among international law enforcement to address the complexities of global organised crime.

FAQs

Who were the four men arrested in Dubai?

The four men arrested are Steven Lyons, Ross McGill, Stephen Jamieson, and Steven Larwood, all linked to serious criminal activities in Scotland.

What criminal activities are they involved in?

The individuals are involved in drug importation and have been implicated in a violent feud between rival gangs in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

What is Operation Portaledge?

Operation Portaledge is a police initiative launched to address the rise in gang-related violence in Scotland, resulting in numerous arrests since its inception.

Will the arrested men be extradited to Scotland?

It is currently unclear whether the authorities will pursue extradition. Factors such as flight risk may influence the decision.

How has international cooperation played a role in the arrests?

International cooperation between Police Scotland and UAE authorities facilitated the arrests, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling organised crime.