Inside 'gangster's paradise' in Dubai where Scots criminals live like kings

Daily Record

26-04-2025

Scots gangsters are living luxurious lifestyles alongside cartel bosses and international hitmen in the glittering city of Dubai . The United Arab Emirates has become a global headquarters for criminals on the run from authorities in recent years. Known as one of the most indulgent and glamorous destinations on the planet, Dubai has attracted a dark network of crime clan members to its playground . An underworld source told the Record how key players are able to go about their lives 'without a care in the world' and appear to be beyond the reach of Police Scotland. They said: "The Scottish gangsters all walk around Dubai freely without a care in the world. Over here these guys are small-time. They are mixing with drug dealers who run cartels, international hitmen, fraudsters and political figures who are on Interpol Red Notices. "Steven Lyons has lived here for years. Nobody seems to notice him but that could be because his appearance has changed a lot since he was last pictured. "It's paradise for criminals. Sun, world-class amenities and no looking over your shoulder. There is nowhere better in the world to live." Senior crime clan members are said to be living anonymously in private residential communities like Jumeirah Golf Estates, The Springs and The Lakes and Damac Hills where sprawling villas range from £250k to £7 million. The plush areas often attract celebrities, footballers and billionaire tycoons. The younger criminals tend to reside anonymously in flashy skyscrapers at Jumeirah Village Circle , Jumeirah Beach Residence, Bluewaters and Downtown. Crooks are said to spend their days posing in one of the many exclusive beach clubs, where a reservation for a table starts at a whopping £800. At night they are often seen in groups dining in swanky restaurants and partying at rooftop bars across town. Supercars, yacht trips and designer spending sprees are also commonplace with mobsters openly flaunting the proceeds of their ill-gotten gains on high end brands like Cartier, Rolex and Prada. The underworld source continued: "The cartel bosses are easy to identify - you see them sitting in cafes with multiple phones spread across the table and designer bags on the seat. These sorts of players would never get involved in anything in their own country . "They are supplying global drug markets - and doing it remotely - to keep the heat off of themselves. "To live like this in the UK would be expensive. These gangsters are making a lot of money and have a lot of spare time on their hands to enjoy the lifestyle. In comparison to foreign criminals, the Scottish drug dealers fly under the radar." A Dubai-based " Mr Big " is said to be orchestrating a gang war in Scotland from the comfort of his luxury home. Believed to be a former Rangers ultra, it is thought he fled Glasgow and moved to Marbella, but relocated again to Dubai after police cracked the Encrochat group. Our source said: "He went to Spain but learned there had been a European arrest warrant issued and he landed in Dubai. Encrochat might have been the reason he had to leave Scotland, but it is also why he has become one of the biggest drug dealers ever to come out of the country. "There are so many other big time gangsters there and he has climbed very high in a very short space of time." He is understood to be in business with crime syndicates across the globe to shift kilos of cocaine and has offered a £100,000 bounty for the murder of his rivals back in Scotland. His hit list includes some of the most feared crime clan members in the country, including the families and closest associates of arch enemies Mark Richardson and Steven "Bonzo" Daniel. A group called Tamo Junto is believed to be carrying out attacks across Glasgow and Edinburgh under Mr Big's orders. The group have released bizarre videos of shooting and firebombings, with each clip concluding with an insignia depicting a fanged skull painted over a Saltire and set against two crossed guns. Bonzo, 45, was recently spotted a number of times in the United Arab Emirates city after his home in Bishopbriggs and his uncle Norman's home were torched last week. Our source added: "Bonzo has been seen a few times since he arrived. His face is so distinctive because of his scars . "Strangely he has come to Dubai where the people who want him dead are living. But he knows the criminals over here won't do anything and risk extradition. It's a smart move. Dubai is home to some of the biggest crooks in the world but they all behave themselves. The police don't tolerate trouble here."