Notorious Scotland-Based Gangland Personalities Detained in Dubai

Several of the nation's most high-profile organized crime individuals have been arrested in the UAE.

Steven Lyons, Ross McGill, Jamieson and Larwood were allegedly taken into custody on Tuesday.

Police believe all four are linked to organized crime ranging from drug importation to a conflict between rival organized crime groups in Glasgow and the east.

This conflict has reportedly caused a series of violent incidents, gun attacks and firebombings since March.

Overseas Coordination

Detectives have been coordinating intelligence with law enforcement in the United Arab Emirates, where the men are all residing.

It is unclear whether police in the UK were notified of the UAE operations in prior.

It is unclear whether charges will be brought or whether extradition steps will be taken to bring the individuals—who may be deemed a flight risk—back to the UK.

Active Investigation

Detectives working on Operation Portaledge have so far made numerous detentions.

Sources have stated that the impact of the UAE detentions is highly significant.

“All four are operating at the highest level of illegal enterprises, both at a UK and an global level.”

Background of the Suspects

Lyons is the figurehead of a network that has been engaged in a bloody feud with a opposing group for more than 20 years.

In 2006, he escaped a attack at a auto shop in north Glasgow, which took the life of his cousin.

He later moved to Europe before moving in the Emirates.

In May, Lyons' sibling, Eddie Lyons Jnr, and Ross Monaghan were shot dead in a seaside bar in the Costa del Sol.

Both men had spent the evening viewing the sports event before they were ambushed by a single shooter.

A man from England has been named by Spanish police in connection with the killings, with a full court date set for later this year.

Police have maintained there is no evidence to link the murders in Spain are related to the active feud or that it was organized in Scotland.

Further Details

McGill first became noted to police for his involvement as a prominent participant of a fan organization.

Since earlier this year, he has risen as a key figure in the criminal conflict linked for a wave of incidents in the eastern and western parts of the nation.

Steven Larwood is a affiliate of Steven Lyons and previously was based in abroad before relocating to Dubai.

Stephen Jamieson, who has lived in the desert city for a some time, has connections to further notorious individuals.

Law enforcement have not been able to verify the arrests.

It is understood that consular assistance has not been requested.

Emirati authorities have not issued a statement on the situation.