Thirteen arrested in joint Scotland and Spain gang raids

Police in Scotland and Spain have carried out a series of simultaneous pre-dawn raids, following a two-year investigation into serious organised crime. Co-ordinated in conjunction with the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA), the operation targeted alleged members of Scotland's dominant crime group, the Lyons, and resulted in 13 arrests. Detectives say they have been probing high-level involvement in organised crime, including drugs and money laundering. They stressed the inquiry began before last year's gangland feud in central Scotland and said it had no connection with the murders of two senior members of the Lyons group on the Costa del Sol last May. At 03:00 in Motherwell police station, BBC Scotland News watched the start of a briefing with officers preparing to take part in the raids. For security reasons, we were asked not to film their faces, or that of the detective who read a short statement before we had to leave the room. He told them: "The intention today is to trace and arrest a significant nominal (suspect) who's wanted on a petition arrest warrant, regarding their involvement in serious and organised crime, particularly money laundering, drugs supply and directing ser

Mar 27, 2026 → Mar 29, 2026