Scottish gang boss Steven Lyons loses bid to prevent extradition to Spain

Scottish crime boss Steven Lyons has failed in a bid to prevent his extradition to Spain following a hearing in a Dutch court.

The 45-year-old has been held in Amsterdam since he was deported from Indonesia, having been arrested on arrival in Bali in March, following a major international police operation to take down a global crime syndicate.

At the Amsterdam District Court, Lyon’s lawyer Arne Kloosterman argued that the European Arrest Warrant issued for him should not be acted on because his right to a fair trial had been violated.

But a panel of judges said that the defense’s argument failed. In the judgement published on Thursday, June 18, they said that any unlawful exercise of powers or other irregularities in any investigations were matters for proceedings in Spain.

Lyons is believed to be the head of the notorious Lyons crime family based in Glasgow, which detectives say has played a significant role in the funnelling of drugs into Scotland, money laundering and outbursts of violence throughout Europe for decades.

Steven Lyons is believed the head of a Scottish crime syndicate. Imigrasi Ngurah Rai

Lyons was flown from Indonesia to Amsterdam on Wednesday, April 8. Detectives in the Asian country believe the Scot had flown to Bali in an effort to set up a drug network.

Authorities want to send him to Spain to face charges related to drug trafficking and money laundering.

Spanish police said their operation “dismantled” the Lyons Clan, calling it the most violent Scottish criminal organisation of recent decades.

It follows the issuing of a European Arrest Warrant (EAW) by a judge in Malaga. This is a simplified cross-border judicial surrender procedure between European Union member states.

Glasgow & West

Scottish crime boss arrested in Bali: Who is gang leader Steven Lyons?

Steven Lyons is believed to be the head of the notorious Lyons crime family based in Glasgow

The Guardia Civil said the investigation, dubbed Operation Armorum, has led to the arrests of 14 people in Spain, Scotland, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates.

Additional suspects were detained in Turkey, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates, including his partner, Amanda Lyons.