The wider picture
The Lyons crime group has been embroiled in a violent feud with the rival Daniel clan for more than two decades. This ongoing conflict has seen numerous incidents of violence and criminal activity, leading to heightened scrutiny from law enforcement agencies. The group is considered one of Scotland’s most dominant organized crime networks, with a reputation for serious organized crime that extends beyond the UK.
On March 28, 2026, Steven Lyons was arrested at Bali Airport after being flagged by an Interpol Red Notice. At 45 years old, he is described as a suspected leader of an international criminal organization. His arrest marks a significant development in a two-year investigation into serious organized crime, which has involved multiple law enforcement agencies across various countries.
The investigation, which has been supported by Europol, included a joint operation that targeted properties in multiple locations, including Glasgow and Barcelona. As a result of this operation, eight arrests were made in Scotland and five in Spain. Detective Chief Inspector George Calder stated, “This day of action has been the result of over two years of investigative work that’s been carried out diligently by officers not only here, but by other agencies, including the National Crime Agency and the Guardia Civil.”
Lyons has a history of violent encounters; he survived a shooting in 2006 that killed his cousin, Michael Lyons. Following this incident, he relocated to Spain and later settled in Dubai, where he reportedly built ties with the Kinahan cartel while living on the Costa del Sol. His criminal connections have raised concerns among law enforcement, particularly given the ongoing gang-related violence in central Scotland.
In May 2022, tragedy struck again when his brother, Eddie Lyons Jnr, was shot dead in Spain. This incident further underscores the violent nature of the criminal underworld in which the Lyons family is entrenched. Police Scotland launched Operation Portaledge in response to the escalating gang violence, which has resulted in over 60 arrests to date.
In addition to the arrests, the operation has led to significant seizures, including a villa valued at €600,000 in Turkey. This demonstrates the extensive reach of the Lyons crime group and their financial operations across borders. Bugie Kurniawan, a spokesperson for local authorities, emphasized the importance of international cooperation in tackling such crime, stating, “We emphasize that Bali will never be a safe haven for international fugitives.”
As the investigation continues, observers are keen to see how the arrest of Steven Lyons will impact the ongoing feud with the Daniel clan and the broader landscape of organized crime in Scotland and beyond. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the potential implications of his arrest on the criminal networks he is associated with, but law enforcement agencies remain vigilant in their efforts to dismantle these organizations.