From Drug Theft to Dubai Arrests: The Global Reach of a Scottish Gangland Feud
The recent arrests of four prominent Scottish crime figures in Dubai have brought renewed attention to a decades-long gangland feud. Steven Lyons, Ross McGill, Stephen Jamieson, and Steven Larwood have been detained in the United Arab Emirates since September 16th, raising questions about the future of organized crime in Scotland and beyond.
The Lyons vs. Daniel Feud: A 25-Year History of Violence
Police Scotland believe the four men arrested in Dubai are linked to a range of criminal activities, including drug importation and gangland violence. These arrests mark the latest chapter in a bloody and protracted feud between the Lyons and Daniel families, a rivalry that has spanned 25 years and two generations of leaders.
The Lyons crime group, now allegedly headed by Steven Lyons, rose to prominence under his father, Eddie Lyons. The Daniel clan was founded by Jamie Daniel, a former scrap metal dealer from Glasgow. The animosity is said to stem from the theft of a £20,000 cocaine stash in 2001.
Escalation and Key Events in the Gang War
The feud took a deadly turn in December 2006 when Michael Lyons was murdered in his uncle's MoT garage. This event, described as being "like a scene out of The Godfather," intensified the conflict. Steven Lyons and an associate were also injured in the attack.
In January 2010, Kevin "Gerbil" Carroll, a Daniel clan enforcer, was fatally shot in a supermarket car park. This brazen daylight attack highlighted the ruthlessness of the ongoing gang war. William "Buff" Paterson was later convicted of Carroll's murder.
Jamie Daniel's Death and a New Wave of Violence
The death of Jamie Daniel in 2016 triggered another surge of violence. His successor, Steven "Bonzo" Daniel, was subjected to a brutal assault following a high-speed car chase in 2017, sustaining horrific facial injuries. In 2019, six associates of the Lyons family were jailed for plotting multiple murders, highlighting the scale and intensity of the feud.
The Dubai Connection: International Criminal Alliances
The Dubai arrests also connect to the case of Jamie "Iceman" Stevenson, who was jailed for masterminding a £100m cocaine smuggling operation. He implicated Stephen Jamieson, one of the men arrested in Dubai, in his defense.
Furthermore, Ross McGill, formerly associated with Rangers Football Club's ultras group, is now allegedly orchestrating gangland violence from Dubai. He is suspected of leading a gang known as Tamo Junta.
Links to the Kinahan Cartel and the Appeal of Dubai
Steven Lyons is reportedly linked to the Kinahan cartel, a major international organized crime group. The US Treasury has offered a $5 million reward for information on the cartel's leaders. The UAE has become a popular destination for major criminals due to its financial regulations.
The murder of Eddie Lyons Jnr and Ross Monaghan in Spain in May further complicated the picture. While initially not believed to be directly linked to the Scottish feud, a Spanish detective suggested a connection to the Daniel gang.
The Future: Extradition and the Pursuit of Crime Bosses
Following the Dubai arrests, authorities are exploring options for bringing the individuals back to Scotland. Chief Constable Jo Farrell has vowed to target crime bosses, even those operating from foreign countries. The recent extradition of Sean McGovern to Ireland offers a possible path for the return of the Dubai detainees.
With investigations ongoing and the complex web of international criminal connections being untangled, the future of the Lyons-Daniel feud and the individuals involved remains uncertain. The arrests are linked to offenses in the UAE, but no official statement has been given by the Gulf state to provide any specifics.
