Spanish authorities say they have dismantled a Scottish crime syndicate known as the Lyons clan operating from Spain, with 14 arrests across multiple countries as part of Operation Armorum.

The Civil Guard notes the Lyons Clan evolved into a highly sophisticated, violence-prone criminal network with international reach and ongoing generational control within the family.

The operation involved major agencies, including Spain’s Guardia Civil, Europol, the UK’s National Crime Agency, and the US Drug Enforcement Administration.

An additional arrest occurred at Dubai International Airport on March 28, with Turkish police assisting by targeting high-value assets linked to the group in Turkey.

Public statements and reactions were shared via Dubai Police and Spain’s Ministerio del Interior on social platforms.

In Dubai, a group member was arrested upon arrival at the airport after an Interpol Red Notice, illustrating international cooperation and swift action.

The collaboration enabled identification of network members, dismantling of the organization’s structure, and seizure of assets tied to criminal activity.

Investigators say the network was involved in drug trafficking and money laundering across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, using shell companies and complex financial systems to conceal profits.

Steven Lyons, 45, was arrested in Indonesia on March 28 and later transferred to the Netherlands after an EU arrest warrant issued by Spanish authorities.

Spanish authorities and Turkish police conducted 18 searches in Costa del Sol and Barcelona, seizing money, documents, valuable items, electronic devices, and cryptocurrency wallets.

The operation underscores the importance of international police and judicial cooperation in combating cross-border criminal networks, with close collaboration including Police Scotland.

The group remains led by family members and retains a hold over ongoing illicit transmissions within its internal network.