Deportation of Scottish crime boss Steven Lyons delayed for second day amid ongoing manhunt

The deportation of Scottish crime boss Steven Lyons has been delayed for a second day as Indonesian authorities continue to hunt for two of the gangster’s associates.

Lyons, who is suspected of being the head of an international crime operation, was arrested at Bali’s Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport by immigration officers based on an Interpol Red Notice issued at Spain’s request on Saturday.

The crime family based in Glasgow is believed to have played a significant role in the funnelling of drugs into Scotland and is linked to outbursts of violence throughout Europe.

Glasgow & West

Scottish crime boss arrested in Bali: Who is gang leader Steven Lyons?

Steven Lyons is the head of the notorious Lyons crime family based in Glasgow

The gang is also suspected of using shell companies for money laundering in Europe and the Middle East, including in Spain, Scotland, England, Dubai, Qatar, Bahrain and Turkey.

Investigators believe Lyons was travelling to Indonesia in an effort to set up a drug supply network in the region.

The 45-year-old was originally due to be extradited to Spain, where he is wanted in connection with a 2024 murder, via Doha by Qatar Airways on Thursday, a day after his deportation was postponed without explanation.

Steven Lyons was arrested in Bali on Saturday. Getty Images

However, the kingpin was taken back from the airport into Bali police custody, said Husnan Handano, a spokesperson for Bali’s immigration office.

He declined to provide a reason for the move, citing the “sensitivity” of the case.

Lyons arrived in Bali alongside Steven Larwood and Lewis “Wang” Wark, who are believed to still be on the island, although the crime boss told authorities he travelled alone.

Spain’s Interpol has identified them as members of the same criminal cartel, but they were not on any arrest warrants or Interpol Red Notices and were therefore able to evade capture.

A warrant has since been issued for the two Scots.

Scotland and Spain’s joint gang-busting operation

The arrest of Steven Lyons comes after a Police Scotland-led international gang-busting operation.

Warrants were executed at addresses in Glasgow, Bellshill, Cumbernauld, Gartcosh, Caldercruix, Coatbridge and East Whitburn as part of a pre-planned day of action targeting serious and organised crime.

Nine people have appeared in Scottish courts following the raids, facing various charges, including involvement in serious organised crime, supplying drugs, money laundering and assault to injury.

The operation, which is not linked to Operation Portaledge, was coordinated with the Spanish Guardia Civil, who arrested five further people linked to the Scottish gang after raiding properties in Barcelona and Malaga.

The joint-operation between the national authorities began in May 2024 at Eurojust, with the support of Europol.

Enquiries into the Scottish gang’s activity throughout Europe are still ongoing.