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A group of four of Scotland's most notorious organized crime personalities have been arrested in the UAE.

Lyons, Ross McGill, Stephen Jamieson and Steven Larwood were understood to have been apprehended on earlier this week.

Police allege all four are connected to illegal activities including narcotics trafficking to a feud between opposing criminal gangs in the west and the east.

This feud has allegedly led to a wave of violent incidents, firearm incidents and explosions since March.

International Cooperation

Investigators have been sharing information with law enforcement in the UAE, where the suspects are all living.

It is not yet known whether officers in Scotland were notified of the UAE operations in prior.

It is unclear whether charges will be filed or whether transfer efforts will be considered to bring the individuals—who may be deemed a escape risk—back to Scotland.

Active Investigation

Authorities working on Operation Portaledge have so far made numerous apprehensions.

Authorities have stated that the significance of the UAE arrests is immense.

“The group are operating at the highest level of organized crime, both at a UK and an international level.”

Background of the Suspects

Steven Lyons is the head of a crime group that has been engaged in a deadly feud with a opposing faction for more than 20 years.

In 2006, he was injured in a assault at a garage in Lambhill, which claimed the life of his relative.

He later moved to Spain before establishing residence in Dubai.

In recent months, Steven Lyons' brother, Eddie Lyons Jnr, and Monaghan were killed in a beachfront bar in Fuengirola.

Both men had spent the evening watching the Champions League final before they were targeted by a single shooter.

A suspect from England has been accused by Spanish police in connection with the deaths, with a full extradition hearing set for the future.

Authorities have stated there is no evidence to link the incidents in Spain are tied to the current feud or that it was planned in Scotland.

Further Background

Ross McGill first became recognized to authorities for his activities as a senior member of a supporters' group.

Since March, he has been identified as a central player in the organized crime rivalry linked for a wave of incidents in both east and west parts of the country.

Steven Larwood is a affiliate of Steven Lyons and previously lived in Spain before relocating to Dubai.

Stephen Jamieson, who has been based in the Emirati city for a number of years, has connections to further criminal figures.

Law enforcement have not been able to verify the apprehensions.

It is reported that consular assistance has not been sought.

Dubai Police have not issued a statement on the situation.