Spanish police ‘dismantle’ Scottish drugs gang as crime boss arrested
Spanish police ‘dismantle’ Scottish drugs gang as crime boss arrested
Spanish authorities have claimed to have dismantled a drug trafficking syndicate connected to the Lyons family. The Civil Guard, one of Spain’s national police forces, reported that Steven Lyons, a prominent Scottish criminal, was apprehended in the Netherlands following his deportation from Bali. This occurred on 28 March after he arrived in Indonesia from Singapore.
The operation, named Armorum, led to 14 arrests across four nations and 20 individuals being investigated. A spokesperson for the Civil Guard stated that Lyons is expected to reach Spain within two to three weeks, though delays may arise if he resists extradition. The arrests were part of a broader effort targeting the gang’s financial networks and criminal activities.
Lyons, a 45-year-old from Glasgow, was listed as an Interpol Red Notice suspect. His wife, Amanda, was also detained in Dubai on the same day. Spanish police highlighted the seizure of electronic devices, cash, company records, luxury watches, and cryptocurrency wallets during the raids. These occurred in locations such as the Costa Del Sol and Barcelona over the past week.
“We will not allow Indonesian territory, especially Bali, to become a refuge for international criminals,” said Bugie Kurniawan, head of the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, confirming Lyons’ deportation.
The Lyons gang has established a criminal presence across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, with a sophisticated money laundering system involving shell companies and global financial transfers. The network has generated millions from drug trade operations, allowing it to collaborate with other major gangs in multiple countries.
Lyons, leader of the Lyons group, has been in a long-standing conflict with the Daniel gang for over two decades. In 2006, he survived a shooting in Glasgow, while his cousin lost their life. He relocated to Spain before settling in Dubai, where he is linked to the Kinahan organization.
His brother, Eddie Lyons Jnr, and associate Ross Monaghan were fatally shot in Fuengirola, Spain, in May. Michael Riley, a 44-year-old from Liverpool, is accused of the murders. Riley initially opposed extradition but later agreed to be transferred to Spain for trial. Spanish detectives identified him as a member of the rival Daniel gang following the incident, though Police Scotland stated there was no evidence linking the killings to ongoing conflicts in Scotland.
