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A group of four of Scotland's most notorious gangland individuals have been apprehended in the United Arab Emirates.

Lyons, McGill, Stephen Jamieson and Larwood were understood to have been taken into custody on Tuesday.

Law enforcement believe all four are tied to illegal activities such as smuggling to a feud between rival organized crime groups in Glasgow and the east.

This conflict has reportedly led to a wave of assaults, shootings and explosions since earlier this year.

International Coordination

Detectives have been exchanging data with police in the United Arab Emirates, where the men are all living.

It is not yet known whether authorities in the UK were made aware of the UAE operations in advance.

It remains to be seen whether charges will be pressed or whether extradition proceedings will be initiated to bring the individuals—who may be deemed a flight risk—back to Scotland.

Ongoing Operation

Investigators working on a targeted investigation have so far made 57 detentions.

Insiders have indicated that the significance of the UAE arrests is highly significant.

“The group are operating at the upper echelon of illegal enterprises, both at a UK and an global level.”

History of the Figures

Steven Lyons is the leader of a criminal organization that has been involved in a violent rivalry with a rival clan for more than 20 years.

In 2006, he survived a shooting at a workshop in Lambhill, which ended the life of his relative.

He later relocated to Spain before establishing residence in the Emirates.

In spring, Lyons' relative, Eddie Lyons Jnr, and Monaghan were killed in a beachfront bar in southern Spain.

Both men had spent the evening attending the football final before they were ambushed by a single shooter.

A suspect from England has been named by authorities in connection with the killings, with a full legal proceeding set for the coming months.

Authorities have emphasized there is no evidence to indicate the murders in abroad are related to the active conflict or that it was organized in the UK.

Further Details

Ross McGill first became noted to police for his activities as a prominent participant of a football ultras group.

Since March, he has risen as a prominent individual in the criminal conflict implicated for a string of violence in the eastern and western parts of the region.

Steven Larwood is a linked individual of Steven Lyons and previously lived in Spain before moving to Dubai.

Jamieson, who has resided in the Gulf region for a some time, has associations to additional criminal figures.

Law enforcement have not been able to comment on the arrests.

It is believed that official intervention has not been sought.

Local law enforcement have declined to confirm on the matter.