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Edinburgh Live
2 days ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh gang war: Who are the Lyons crime family as two key players killed in bar
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info One of Scotland's most notorious organised crime gangs, the Lyons are a Glasgow based outfit that have have been involved in a more than 20 year feud with the Daniels clan. The rivalry between the two crime family networks has seen shootings, stabbings, hit and runs, firebomb attacks, police corruption and drug trafficking busts over the years, reports The Daily Record. It is claimed the feud between the two crime families first started over control of drugs turf. In 2001 a large stash of Daniels' cocaine was stolen from a house in the Milton area of Glasgow and sold to the Lyons. Now, two of the gang's major players, Ross Monaghan, 43, and Eddie Lyons Jnr, 46, were shot dead at a bar in Spain on Saturday, May 31. The high profile underworld figures were executed by a gunman at Monaghan's Bar in the Costa Del Sol. The Record understands the shootings are linked to Scotland's ongoing gangland war which broke out earlier this year. It is understood that the underworld feud first erupted after Edinburgh kingpin Mark Richardson's cronies stole a £500,000 stash of cocaine from a Dubai-based "Mr Big" known as Ross McGill, using fake cash. The Lyons gang were thought to be supporting Dubai-based McGill who waged a war on Mark Richardson - and associates the Daniels family. The notorious Lyons crime clan are set to seek bloody revenge after the double hit on two of their key figures. Here we take a look at members of the infamous Lyons clan. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox Steven Lyons The family is headed up by Steven Lyons , the son of former boss Eddie Lyons Snr. Steven fled Scotland nearly 20 years ago after a crucial incident sparked a war forever. In November 2006 a Daniel's associate Kevin Carroll allegedly used a 4x4 and a tow rope to topple the headstone of Eddie Snr's son, Garry, who was only eight when he died of leukaemia in 1991. The desecration of his grave marked a new low. In December 2006 two men in long black coats, wearing masks and holding handguns walked into the forecourt of Applerow Motors in Lambhill and started shooting. David Lyons, brother of the head of the clan, Eddie Snr, took cover while the attack claimed the life of nephew 21-year-old Michael. Steven Lyons and family associate Robert "Piggy" Pickett were both injured. Piggy hadn't long come out of prison on the attempted murder of the Rennie brothers in the Paisley drug wars. Pickett was so badly hurt he lost a kidney. Steven was left nursing wounds but survived the assassination attempt and fled Scotland for good almost immediately. Shooters Raymond Anderson and James McDonald were caught and sentenced to a Scottish record term of 35 years each, later reduced on appeal to 30. He is now living a plush life in Dubai after initially settling in a Spanish bolthole when he fled abroad. Eddie Lyons Snr The former head of the clan enjoyed immunity and support in the early days. In 1992 Eddie Snr, already well known to police, was given disused Chirnsyde School in Milton for a 'community project'.Three years later, while he was actually developing his crime empire in the gang hut, he was given public funding. The 67-year-old was cleared of attempted murder in 2001 and was not charged three years later when police seized £63,000 in alleged drug money from his home. His brother John was shot in a gangland attack in 2003. In 2005 Bridget McConnell, head of culture and leisure at Glasgow council and wife of Scottish First Minister Jack, recommended renewing the funding, which was agreed. And it continued for more than a year while the range war continued. Years later Eddie ended up in the dock after he admitted racking up more than £250,000 in mortgage frauds by giving lenders fake income details. Glasgow Sheriff Court heard he bought property in East Kilbride and Cumbernauld by self-certifying on mortgage applications. At the time he was sentenced to community pay back. Glasgow sheriff Robert Anthony told him: "As far as I'm concerned, you are a first offender and a man of mature years who has never caused any trouble to society." David Lyons Ten days after his nephew was shot dead at his garage, David Lyons received a 'ransom note' delivered to his home. It said: "The boys owe me £25,000 and I want what's owed to me. It's for drugs. They all know what it's about. The money doesn't matter to me as it's got to be paid to the piper. I don't want the police, the boys, not even your wife, knowing about it. If you keep them out of this then all your lives can go back to normal as we are all losing money through this. If you have any tricks for my pickup man then all the deals are off. Remember to keep your mouth shut. No cameras, no surveillance, as the pickup man doesn't know nothing so he's no use to you. Drop off, 4pm Saturday. I'll draw you a map and X will mark the spot." Years later the garage owner lost his licence to carry out MOT tests after the police claimed he was "involved in serious and organised crime, including trafficking and supply of class A drugs". Officers had urged vehicle inspection agency VOSA to strip him of the licence as part of a strategy to target the business interests of suspected criminals. He threatened to put £40,000 of his own money on the line take Strathclyde Police to court and prove he's innocent of his family's crimes. He died in 2022 aged 63 after falling outside his home in Cumbernauld. He passed away at Monklands General Hospital in Airdrie. A hospital insider claims that around 60 people visited the grandfather's bedside, including his son Paul Lyons, who was escorted from prison where he is serving time for a road rage killing. Paul Lyons The son of David Lyons, Paul was jailed in 2010 for the road rage killing of van driver Mark Fleeman, 32. He hit speeds of 100mph after a night out as he chased down his victim on the M74. Father-of-two Mr Fleeman died at the scene after Lyons rammed his van, causing it to leave the road and overturn. Lee Allsup, Mr Fleeman's 17-year-old passenger, also suffered life-changing brain and leg injuries. In January 2023 he was let out of prison to attend his dad David Lyons funeral. He was flanked by three prison guards so he could attend the service - where he played an active role. As well as placing a rose in his dad's coffin the killer also gave a speech as part of the eulogy. Later that year he was attacked in prison by murderer Peter Allen. Lyons stuck to a "gangland code" and refused to pin the blame on Allen, who is serving a life sentence for stabbing a man 142 times and leaving a knife lodged in his eye socket. Debbie Lyons Sister to Eddie Lyons Snr, was found dead at her home in the Milton area of the city in 2020. She was described as a "lost soul" having struggled with drugs for 30 years. Police were called to her flat but she had already passed away. Eddie Lyons Jr Some 18 years ago, Eddie Lyons Jnr survived a previous attempt on his life when he was ambushed by Kevin Carroll in Bellshill, Lanarkshire. It followed the fatal shooting at Applerow Motors. Eddie and his pal Ross Monaghan later appeared in court but were cleared of a vicious street attack on three men outside a bar in East Dunbartonshire which took place in April 2016. The trial collapsed, however, when two of the alleged victims said they had no memory of what had happened to them. The pair remained close friends and had were understood to have just watched the Champions League final in Monaghan's Bar on Saturday night before they were shot dead at close range. Ross Monaghan Lyons enforcer Monaghan first hit headlines when he was arrested as a suspect for the infamous Asda car park shooting in Robroyston. Kevin "Gerbil" Carroll, 29, had at the time been responsible for a series of so-called "alien abductions" across central Scotland. The kidnappings were described in such a way as the victims, who were tortured and robbed, told police they couldn't remember anything about their ordeal. Carroll attended a lunchtime business meeting in the supermarket car park on 13 January 2010. He was sat in the back of a black Audi A3 when a speeding Volkswagen Golf screeched to a halt in front of the vehicle. Carroll's two associates fled leaving him trapped in the back of the three-door car. Two masked men emerged from the Golf and opened fire, shattering the rear passenger windows. Carroll was shot 13 times in the head and chest in an attack that lasted 25 seconds. Monaghan was arrested in August 2010, just 10 days before his partner gave birth to their daughter. He spent six months on remand only to be acquitted of the murder in May 2012 after a judge ruled that there was insufficient evidence to convict him. Monaghan said at the time: "It's been a nightmare. I'm glad to get this over. I've always said it was nothing to do with me." Less than five years later Monaghan was shot in the shoulder outside a Glasgow primary school after dropping his child off. When the gunman opened fire, he was pushing a child's buggy on Muirdykes Road near St George's Primary, Penilee. Two associates of the Daniel clan were both cleared of the attack at a trial but were later convicted for other organised crime offences. Following the school shooting, Monaghan is believed to have moved to Spain. He was the owner of Monaghan's bar in the Costa del Sol, where he was slain. The shooting is the most significant gangland development since 2010 when Daniel enforcer Kevin "Gerbil" Carroll was shot dead in an Asda car park. Kevin "Gerbil" Carroll, was assassinated in the car park of the Asda store in Glasgow's Robroyston in 2010 - a killing linked to the warring families. Gerbil built up a reputation as one of Scotland's most feared gangsters, said to be responsible for a number of so-called 'alien abduction' attacks. These abductions involved he and his crew targeting rival drug dealers while pretending to be police officers. They stormed homes and businesses while claiming to be cops, before beating their rivals and stealing their guns, cash and drugs. But Gerbil met a violent end himself, when the 29-year-old was shot 13 times in 25 seconds and found slumped in the back seat of a black Audi A3, having been locked inside the vehicle. Ross Monaghan and William "Buff" Paterson were charged over the murder, with Paterson convicted and Monaghan walking free. Lyons footsoldier Andrew "Piggy" Pickett went on to exact revenge over the Applerow Motors attack, being one of the six-strong gang which left Daniels-clan leader Bonzo scarred for life in the Port Dundas ambush attack in May 2017. Steven "Bonzo" Daniel - the nephew of former Daniels leader Jamie Daniel - was ambushed by the group following a Rangers match at Ibrox. He was left horrendously disfigured. The High Court in Glasgow heard Pickett and key Lyons member Andrew "Dumbo" Gallacher carried out the attack. They pulled off the ambush, which took place close to the M8, with the help of four others - Brian Ferguson, John Hardie, Andrew Sinclair and Peter Bain. All six were found guilty of conspiracy to murder, with the court hearing targets were tailed using tracking devices, while the gang used high-power stolen getaway cars and encrypted mobile phones. Gallacher, who died in prison while serving his jail term for the offence, was a close pal of Ross Monaghan and William Paterson. The attack on Bonzo came just months after Monaghan had been shot. He was targeted by a gunman who had his gun stashed in a buggy, after Monaghan dropped off a child at St George's Primary School, in Glasgow's Penilee. A new wave The identity of Dubai-based gangster 'Mr Big' who is waging gang wars across Scotland was revealed as ex-Rangers ultras capo Ross McGill. The former Union Bears chief, 31, was unmasked as the hood orchestrating a series of firebomb and gun attacks across Edinburgh and Glasgow. During his time at the group, McGill made a series of public appearances including posing with former manager Steven Gerrard and handing club captain James Tavernier a player of the year award. He fled the country months after stepping down from the Ibrox supporters' group in 2022. McGill, of East Kilbride, failed to appear in court on petition in November of that year and a warrant was issued for his arrest. An underworld source told the Record McGill fled to Spain before setting up home in the United Arab Emirates. He resurfaced this year as an aspiring crime kingpin, ordering a series of brutal attacks against the Daniels and close associate, Edinburgh mob boss Mark Richardson. A turf war broke out this March after Richardson's cronies allegedly bought £500,000 of cocaine from McGill with fake cash. McGill's enforcers, a faceless and frightening group going by the name of Tamo Junto (TMJ), have carried out a series of firebombings and other vicious attacks on homes, businesses and cars associated with Richardson. McGill then turned his attention to the Daniel family. It is understood he recruited members of the Lyons family to help orchestrate attacks on the Daniels and feed him information.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Who are Lyons crime family as two key hoods shot dead by gunman in Spanish bar
Ross Monaghan, 43, and Eddie Lyons Jnr, 46, were among the most high profile underworld figures before they were shot dead at Monaghan's bar in the Costa Del Sol. The Lyons clan is one of Scotland's most notorious organised crime gangs. The Glasgow based outfit have been involved in a bloody feud with the Daniels clan dating back more than 20 years. It is claimed the feud between the two crime families first began over control of drugs turf. In 2001 a large stash of Daniels' cocaine was stolen from a house in the Milton area of Glasgow and sold on to the Lyons. The rivalry between the two crime family networks has seen shootings, stabbings, hit and runs, firebomb attacks, police corruption and drug trafficking busts. Two of the gang's major players Ross Monaghan, 43, and Eddie Lyons Jnr, 46, were shot dead at a bar in Spain on Saturday. The high profile underworld figures were executed by a gunman at Monaghan's Bar in the Costa Del Sol. The Record understands the shootings are linked to Scotland's ongoing gangland war which broke out earlier this year. The underworld feud first erupted after Edinburgh kingpin Mark Richardson's cronies stole a £500,000 stash of cocaine from a Dubai-based "Mr Big" known as Ross McGill, using fake cash. The Lyons gang were thought to be supporting Dubai-based McGill who waged a war on Mark Richardson - and associates the Daniels family. The notorious Lyons crime clan are set to seek bloody revenge after the double hit on two of their key figures. Here we take a look at members of the infamous Lyons clan. Steven Lyons The family is headed up by Steven Lyons, the son of former boss Eddie Lyons Snr. Steven fled Scotland nearly 20 years ago after a crucial incident sparked a war forever. In November 2006 a Daniel's associate Kevin Carroll allegedly used a 4x4 and a tow rope to topple the headstone of Eddie Snr's son, Garry, who was only eight when he died of leukaemia in 1991. The desecration of his grave marked a new low. In December 2006 two men in long black coats, wearing masks and holding handguns walked into the forecourt of Applerow Motors in Lambhill and started shooting. David Lyons, brother of the head of the clan, Eddie Snr, took cover while the attack claimed the life of nephew 21-year-old Michael. Steven Lyons and family associate Robert "Piggy" Pickett were both injured. Piggy hadn't long come out of prison on the attempted murder of the Rennie brothers in the Paisley drug wars. Pickett was so badly hurt he lost a kidney. Steven was left nursing wounds but survived the assassination attempt and fled Scotland for good almost immediately. Shooters Raymond Anderson and James McDonald were caught and sentenced to a Scottish record term of 35 years each, later reduced on appeal to 30. He is now living a plush life in Dubai after initially settling in a Spanish bolthole when he fled abroad. Eddie Lyons Snr The former head of the clan enjoyed immunity and support in the early days. In 1992 Eddie Snr, already well known to police, was given disused Chirnsyde School in Milton for a 'community project'.Three years later, while he was actually developing his crime empire in the gang hut, he was given public funding. The 67-year-old was cleared of attempted murder in 2001 and was not charged three years later when police seized £63,000 in alleged drug money from his home. His brother John was shot in a gangland attack in 2003. In 2005 Bridget McConnell, head of culture and leisure at Glasgow council and wife of Scottish First Minister Jack, recommended renewing the funding, which was agreed. And it continued for more than a year while the range war continued. Years later Eddie ended up in the dock after he admitted racking up more than £250,000 in mortgage frauds by giving lenders fake income details. Glasgow Sheriff Court heard he bought property in East Kilbride and Cumbernauld by self-certifying on mortgage applications. At the time he was sentenced to community pay back. Glasgow sheriff Robert Anthony told him: "As far as I'm concerned, you are a first offender and a man of mature years who has never caused any trouble to society." David Lyons Ten days after his nephew was shot dead at his garage, David Lyons received a 'ransom note' delivered to his home. It said: "The boys owe me £25,000 and I want what's owed to me. It's for drugs. They all know what it's about. The money doesn't matter to me as it's got to be paid to the piper. I don't want the police, the boys, not even your wife, knowing about it. If you keep them out of this then all your lives can go back to normal as we are all losing money through this. If you have any tricks for my pickup man then all the deals are off. Remember to keep your mouth shut. No cameras, no surveillance, as the pickup man doesn't know nothing so he's no use to you. Drop off, 4pm Saturday. I'll draw you a map and X will mark the spot." Years later the garage owner lost his licence to carry out MOT tests after the police claimed he was "involved in serious and organised crime, including trafficking and supply of class A drugs". Officers had urged vehicle inspection agency VOSA to strip him of the licence as part of a strategy to target the business interests of suspected criminals. He threatened to put £40,000 of his own money on the line take Strathclyde Police to court and prove he's innocent of his family's crimes. He died in 2022 aged 63 after falling outside his home in Cumbernauld. He passed away at Monklands General Hospital in Airdrie. A hospital insider claims that around 60 people visited the grandfather's bedside, including his son Paul Lyons, who was escorted from prison where he is serving time for a road rage killing. Paul Lyons The son of David Lyons, Paul was jailed in 2010 for the road rage killing of van driver Mark Fleeman, 32. He hit speeds of 100mph after a night out as he chased down his victim on the M74. Father-of-two Mr Fleeman died at the scene after Lyons rammed his van, causing it to leave the road and overturn. Lee Allsup, Mr Fleeman's 17-year-old passenger, also suffered life-changing brain and leg injuries. In January 2023 he was let out of prison to attend his dad David Lyons funeral. He was flanked by three prison guards so he could attend the service - where he played an active role. As well as placing a rose in his dad's coffin the killer also gave a speech as part of the eulogy. Later that year he was attacked in prison by murderer Peter Allen. Lyons stuck to a "gangland code" and refused to pin the blame on Allen, who is serving a life sentence for stabbing a man 142 times and leaving a knife lodged in his eye socket. Debbie Lyons Sister to Eddie Lyons Snr, was found dead at her home in the Milton area of the city in 2020. She was described as a "lost soul" having struggled with drugs for 30 years. Police were called to her flat but she had already passed away. Eddie Lyons Jr Some 18 years ago, Eddie Lyons Jnr survived a previous attempt on his life when he was ambushed by Kevin Carroll in Bellshill, Lanarkshire. It followed the fatal shooting at Applerow Motors. Eddie and his pal Ross Monaghan later appeared in court but were cleared of a vicious street attack on three men outside a bar in East Dunbartonshire which took place in April 2016. The trial collapsed, however, when two of the alleged victims said they had no memory of what had happened to them. The pair remained close friends and had were understood to have just watched the Champions League final in Monaghan's Bar on Saturday night before they were shot dead at close range. Ross Monaghan Lyons enforcer Monaghan first hit headlines when he was arrested as a suspect for the infamous Asda car park shooting in Robroyston. Kevin "Gerbil" Carroll, 29, had at the time been responsible for a series of so-called "alien abductions" across central Scotland. The kidnappings were described in such a way as the victims, who were tortured and robbed, told police they couldn't remember anything about their ordeal. Carroll attended a lunchtime business meeting in the supermarket car park on 13 January 2010. He was sat in the back of a black Audi A3 when a speeding Volkswagen Golf screeched to a halt in front of the vehicle. Carroll's two associates fled leaving him trapped in the back of the three-door car. Two masked men emerged from the Golf and opened fire, shattering the rear passenger windows. Carroll was shot 13 times in the head and chest in an attack that lasted 25 seconds. Monaghan was arrested in August 2010, just 10 days before his partner gave birth to their daughter. He spent six months on remand only to be acquitted of the murder in May 2012 after a judge ruled that there was insufficient evidence to convict him. Monaghan said at the time: "It's been a nightmare. I'm glad to get this over. I've always said it was nothing to do with me." Less than five years later Monaghan was shot in the shoulder outside a Glasgow primary school after dropping his child off. When the gunman opened fire, he was pushing a child's buggy on Muirdykes Road near St George's Primary, Penilee. Two associates of the Daniel clan were both cleared of the attack at a trial but were later convicted for other organised crime offences. Following the school shooting, Monaghan is believed to have moved to Spain. He was the owner of Monaghan's bar in the Costa del Sol, where he was slain. The shooting is the most significant gangland development since 2010 when Daniel enforcer Kevin "Gerbil" Carroll was shot dead in an Asda car park. Kevin "Gerbil" Carroll, was assassinated in the car park of the Asda store in Glasgow's Robroyston in 2010 - a killing linked to the warring families. Gerbil built up a reputation as one of Scotland's most feared gangsters, said to be responsible for a number of so-called 'alien abduction' attacks. These abductions involved he and his crew targeting rival drug dealers while pretending to be police officers. They stormed homes and businesses while claiming to be cops, before beating their rivals and stealing their guns, cash and drugs. But Gerbil met a violent end himself, when the 29-year-old was shot 13 times in 25 seconds and found slumped in the back seat of a black Audi A3, having been locked inside the vehicle. Ross Monaghan and William "Buff" Paterson were charged over the murder, with Paterson convicted and Monaghan walking free. Lyons footsoldier Andrew "Piggy" Pickett went on to exact revenge over the Applerow Motors attack, being one of the six-strong gang which left Daniels-clan leader Bonzo scarred for life in the Port Dundas ambush attack in May 2017. Steven "Bonzo" Daniel - the nephew of former Daniels leader Jamie Daniel - was ambushed by the group following a Rangers match at Ibrox. He was left horrendously disfigured. The High Court in Glasgow heard Pickett and key Lyons member Andrew "Dumbo" Gallacher carried out the attack. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. They pulled off the ambush, which took place close to the M8, with the help of four others - Brian Ferguson, John Hardie, Andrew Sinclair and Peter Bain. All six were found guilty of conspiracy to murder, with the court hearing targets were tailed using tracking devices, while the gang used high-power stolen getaway cars and encrypted mobile phones. Gallacher, who died in prison while serving his jail term for the offence, was a close pal of Ross Monaghan and William Paterson. The attack on Bonzo came just months after Monaghan had been shot. He was targeted by a gunman who had his gun stashed in a buggy, after Monaghan dropped off a child at St George's Primary School, in Glasgow's Penilee. A new wave The identity of Dubai-based gangster 'Mr Big' who is waging gang wars across Scotland was revealed as ex-Rangers ultras capo Ross McGill. The former Union Bears chief, 31, was unmasked as the hood orchestrating a series of firebomb and gun attacks across Edinburgh and Glasgow. During his time at the group, McGill made a series of public appearances including posing with former manager Steven Gerrard and handing club captain James Tavernier a player of the year award. He fled the country months after stepping down from the Ibrox supporters' group in 2022. McGill, of East Kilbride, failed to appear in court on petition in November of that year and a warrant was issued for his arrest. An underworld source told the Record McGill fled to Spain before setting up home in the United Arab Emirates. He resurfaced this year as an aspiring crime kingpin, ordering a series of brutal attacks against the Daniels and close associate, Edinburgh mob boss Mark Richardson. A turf war broke out this March after Richardson's cronies allegedly bought £500,000 of cocaine from McGill with fake cash. McGill's enforcers, a faceless and frightening group going by the name of Tamo Junto (TMJ), have carried out a series of firebombings and other vicious attacks on homes, businesses and cars associated with Richardson. McGill then turned his attention to the Daniel family. It is understood he recruited members of the Lyons family to help orchestrate attacks on the Daniels and feed him information.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Scots gangster was warned his son had £50k price on his head days before public execution
A LYONS gang henchman was warned his son had a £50,000 price on his head the week before two kingpins were shot dead in a brutal assassination. The hood - who was said to be involved in a lie detector test ordered by Steven Lyons - was told his lad was a target in an ongoing gang war. 2 It is claimed the boy was sent to Dubai for his own safety Credit: Getty A source said: 'One of Steven Lyons' main enforcers was told guys from Liverpool had been offered £50,000 to take his son out. 'The boy was suspected of being involved in some of the firebombings and there was a target on his head. 'The word is the boy was hastily sent out to Dubai for his own safety. 'It's another sign that a wave of retaliation for what's been going on over the past few months has exploded in violence and there is more to come.' We told how Lyons, 44, has been putting his hoods through lie detector tests after racking up debt to the Kinahan cartel. Sources revealed he has been 'on edge' over pressure from the feared Irish mob after a series of thefts and police seizures. And that led to him drafting in a polygraph expert in a bid to unmask traitors in his ranks - with some heavies facing retribution for failing the pressurised tests. The revelations emerged after a Lyons stash house was robbed of €600,000 from drugs in November. We also revealed in February Celtic ultras were 'spooked' into making an apology after the same Lyons mob enforcer's son was injured in a brawl at a Champions League match. The feared hardman's lad was 'badly hurt' during a rammy, sparking claims the Green Brigade said sorry to supporters caught up in ugly clashes days after fighting broke out at the 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich in Germany. Man walked through Carlow shopping centre firing into air before being confronted by cops as crowds ran from scene One source said: 'One of the lads who got attacked is the son of a high ranking enforcer in the Lyons gang.'
Daily Record
26-04-2025
- Daily Record
Inside 'gangster's paradise' in Dubai where Scots criminals live like kings
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."
