The wider picture
Steven Lyons, aged 45, was arrested at Bali Airport on March 28, 2026, after being flagged by an Interpol Red Notice. He is described as a suspected leader of an international criminal organization, specifically linked to the Lyons crime group, which has been embroiled in a violent feud with the rival Daniel clan for more than two decades.
The arrest was part of a two-year investigation into serious organized crime, which involved collaboration between various law enforcement agencies, including the National Crime Agency and the Guardia Civil. Detective Chief Inspector George Calder stated, “This day of action has been the result of over two years of investigative work that’s been carried out diligently by officers not only here, but by other agencies.”
The Lyons crime group is considered one of Scotland’s most dominant organized crime networks. The investigation revealed that Lyons had built ties with the Kinahan cartel while living on the Costa del Sol after relocating to Spain following a shooting incident in 2006 that resulted in the death of his cousin, Michael Lyons. His brother, Eddie Lyons Jnr, was also shot dead in May 2022 in Spain, further entrenching the family’s involvement in organized crime.
The operation that led to Lyons’ arrest targeted properties in multiple locations, including Glasgow and Barcelona. In total, eight arrests were made in Scotland and five in Spain during this coordinated effort. The investigation was supported by Europol and involved law enforcement agencies from several countries.
Police Scotland launched Operation Portaledge in response to gang-related violence in central Scotland, which has seen over 60 arrests since its inception. The operation aims to dismantle organized crime networks and restore safety to the communities affected by such violence.
In a statement regarding the arrest, Bugie Kurniawan emphasized, “We emphasize that Bali will never be a safe haven for international fugitives.” This underscores the commitment of Indonesian authorities to cooperate with international law enforcement in combating organized crime.
As the investigation continues, observers are closely monitoring the developments surrounding Lyons’ case and the broader implications for organized crime networks operating internationally. Details remain unconfirmed regarding potential extradition processes or further legal actions against Lyons and his associates.
