| Founded | 1990s |
|---|---|
| Founded by | Eddie Lyons Snr |
| Founding location | Glasgow, Scotland |
| Years active | 1990s–present |
| Territory | United Kingdom, Spain, United Arab Emirates |
| Criminal activities | Drug trafficking, money laundering, murder, arms trafficking, extortion, blackmailing |
| Allies | |
| Rivals |
|
The Lyons Crime Family is a British crime firm in Glasgow, Scotland involved in various organised crime activities, including drug trafficking, money laundering, extortion and violence. Since 2001, the Lyons family has been embroiled in a longstanding and deadly feud with another Glasgow-based crime family, the Daniel Crime Family. [1] [2]
The family's origins can be traced back to the Milton and Possilpark areas in north Glasgow, where the Lyons family had lived for generations. The Lyons are known for their brutal tactics. [3] Over the years, the Lyons Crime Family has been involved in a number of high-profile crimes, including the murder of Kevin 'Gerbil' Carroll in 2010. [4] The organisation has also been linked to a number of drug trafficking and money laundering operations. [5] The Glasgow Times noted in November 2022 that "Steven Lyons is feeling the heat after the recent busts and left Dubai. A lot of his trusted inner circle are either in jail or in exile, which has left him feeling vulnerable. He needed to make a change." [4]
The feud between the Lyons and Daniel families began in 2001 when a consignment of cocaine belonging to the Daniels was stolen from a house in the Milton area of Glasgow and sold by the Lyons. [6] [7] [8]
In January 2010, Daniel family enforcer Kevin "Gerbil" Carroll was shot and killed by a masked man while sitting in an Audi A3 in an Asda car park in Robroyston, Glasgow. [9] Ross Monaghan was acquitted of Carroll's murder in May 2012. [10]
Monaghan survived a shooting in 2017 when he was wounded in the shoulder as he dropped off his daughter at a primary school in Glasgow. He subsequently moved to Spain's Costa del Sol. [11]
Steven Lyons is also believed to have connections with the Kinahan Organized Crime Group, a Dublin-based gang that is considered one of Europe’s most powerful cartels.
On 31 May 2025, Eddie Lyons Jnr and Ross Monaghan were shot dead by a masked gunman after watching the 2025 UEFA Champions League Final at Monaghans Bar in Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol. [11] [12]
On 17 September 2025, four prominent figures linked to the Lyons Crime Family were arrested in Dubai in a coordinated operation between law enforcement agencies in the United Arab Emirates and Police Scotland. Among those detained were Steven Lyons, the reputed head of the organisation; Ross McGill, a former Rangers football ultra turned gangland figure; Stephen Jamieson, an associate of convicted trafficker Jamie "Iceman" Stevenson; and Steven Larwood, a known Lyons affiliate previously based in Spain. [13]
The arrests are part of Operation Portaledge, a Scottish police initiative launched in response to an outbreak of gang violence, including shootings, assaults, and firebombings, across Glasgow and Edinburgh. Intelligence sharing between UK and UAE authorities played a key role in the operation.
Authorities suspect the four men of involvement in drug importation and orchestrating violent acts linked to a wider feud between rival gangs in Scotland. Their arrests are considered significant, with sources describing the individuals as "operating at the highest level of organised crime, both at a UK and an international level."
It remains unclear whether the suspects will face charges in Dubai or be subject to extradition proceedings to the United Kingdom. Police Scotland have not confirmed the arrests, and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has not been approached for consular assistance. Dubai Police referred inquiries to the UK Embassy, which has yet to comment.
This development follows the May 2025 murders of Eddie Lyons Jnr and Ross Monaghan in Fuengirola, Spain, an incident Spanish police believe was carried out by a member of the rival Daniel Crime Family.