Deportation of Scottish crime kingpin Steven Lyons delayed by Indonesian authorities

The deportation of Scottish crime boss, Steven Lyons, from Indonesia to Spain has been delayed by authorities.

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.

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 via Doha by Qatar Airways on Wednesday evening; however, he will now be deported on Thursday, according to Husnan Handano, a spokesperson for Bali’s immigration office.

Scotland

Arrest of Scottish gang boss sends ‘huge ripples’ through criminal underworld

Former director of DEA warns of power vacuum created by Steven Lyons’ arrest

Lyons has been wanted by Spanish authorities in connection with a murder in 2024.

The arrest 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.