🔗 Share this article

A group of four of Scotland's most prominent organized crime individuals have been apprehended in the United Arab Emirates.

Steven Lyons, Ross McGill, Stephen Jamieson and Steven Larwood were understood to have been apprehended on Tuesday.

Law enforcement believe all four are linked to illegal activities ranging from smuggling to a conflict between opposing criminal gangs in Glasgow and the east.

This feud has allegedly resulted in a string of violent incidents, shootings and explosions since spring.

Overseas Cooperation

Investigators have been coordinating intelligence with authorities in the United Arab Emirates, where the men are all based.

It is uncertain whether authorities in Scotland were informed of the Dubai operations in beforehand.

It is yet unknown whether legal action will be brought or whether return proceedings will be initiated to bring the men—who may be deemed a flight risk—back to Scotland.

Current Probe

Investigators working on a major anti-gang initiative have so far made multiple arrests.

Insiders have stated that the importance of the UAE apprehensions is immense.

“All four are active at the top tier of criminal networks, both at a UK and an international level.”

Context of the Individuals

Steven Lyons is the leader of a criminal organization that has been involved in a violent feud with a competing clan for decades.

In the mid-2000s, he escaped a assault at a garage in Lambhill, which ended the life of his family member.

He later shifted to Europe before establishing residence in Dubai.

In recent months, Steven Lyons' brother, Eddie Lyons Jnr, and Monaghan were shot dead in a beachfront bar in the Costa del Sol.

Both men had spent the evening viewing the Champions League final before they were targeted by a assailant.

A man from the UK has been charged by authorities in connection with the killings, with a full court date scheduled for later this year.

Investigators have emphasized there is no evidence to link the murders in Spain are related to the ongoing gang war or that it was organized in Scotland.

Further Background

Ross McGill first became recognized to authorities for his actions as a senior member of a football ultras group.

Since earlier this year, he has been identified as a prominent individual in the criminal conflict linked for a wave of attacks in both eastern and western parts of the region.

Larwood is a linked individual of Steven Lyons and previously was based in abroad before moving to Dubai.

Stephen Jamieson, who has resided in the Gulf region for a several years, has links to other criminal figures.

Authorities have not been able to comment on the arrests.

It is reported that official assistance has not been sought.

Emirati authorities have not yet commented on the developments.