The wider picture
For over two decades, the Lyons crime group has been entrenched in a violent feud with the rival Daniel clan, a conflict that has left a trail of bloodshed across Scotland. The group, known for its dominance in organized crime, has been linked to various illegal activities, including drug trafficking and extortion. The situation escalated significantly after the 2006 shooting that left Steven Lyons’s cousin, Michael Lyons, dead, an event that marked a turning point in the family’s criminal saga. Following the incident, Steven relocated to Spain and later settled in Dubai, where he reportedly forged connections with the notorious Kinahan cartel.
On March 28, 2026, in a dramatic turn of events, Steven Lyons, now 45, was arrested at Bali Airport after being flagged by an Interpol Red Notice. This arrest is a significant development in the ongoing battle against organized crime, particularly as it relates to the Lyons crime group, which has been described as one of Scotland’s most dominant criminal networks. The operation that led to his capture was the culmination of a two-year investigation into serious organized crime, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the National Crime Agency and the Guardia Civil.
Detective Chief Inspector George Calder, who has been closely involved in the investigation, 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.” This collaborative effort underscores the extensive nature of the investigation, which has seen law enforcement agencies across Europe join forces to dismantle the Lyons crime group.
The operation, dubbed Operation Portaledge, targeted properties in various locations, including Glasgow and Barcelona, resulting in eight arrests in Scotland and five in Spain. The investigation revealed the extensive reach of the Lyons crime group, which has been linked to various criminal activities across borders. Notably, the operation also led to the seizure of a villa in Turkey valued at €600,000 (£520,000), further highlighting the financial stakes involved in this criminal enterprise.
Lyons’s arrest comes at a time when police in Scotland have been ramping up efforts to combat gang-related violence, particularly in central Scotland. The Lyons crime group has been at the center of this violence, and their ongoing feud with the Daniel clan has only exacerbated the situation. As Bugie Kurniawan, a spokesperson for the Indonesian authorities, emphasized, “We emphasize that Bali will never be a safe haven for international fugitives.” This statement reflects a growing international resolve to tackle organized crime on a global scale.
Steven Lyons’s criminal history is marked by violence and tragedy. In addition to surviving a shooting in 2006, his brother, Eddie Lyons Jnr, was shot dead in May 2022 in Spain, further entrenching the family in a cycle of violence. With the arrest of Steven Lyons, authorities hope to disrupt the operations of the Lyons crime group and bring an end to their reign of terror.
As the investigation continues, observers are keenly watching how this arrest will impact the ongoing feud between the Lyons and the Daniel clan. The implications of this operation extend beyond the immediate arrests, as law enforcement agencies aim to dismantle the entire network of organized crime that has plagued communities for years. The future remains uncertain, but the arrest of Steven Lyons marks a pivotal moment in the fight against organized crime.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the next steps for Lyons, as legal proceedings are expected to unfold in Indonesia. However, the collaboration between international law enforcement agencies signifies a united front against organized crime, with hopes that this operation will serve as a deterrent to others involved in similar activities.
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