Indonesia arrests Scottish man sought by Spain in connection with international crime syndicate
Indonesia Arrests Scottish Man Linked to Global Crime Network
Steven Lyons, a 45-year-old Scottish national, was detained in Bali following his arrival from Singapore, authorities announced on Tuesday. The arrest occurred at Ngurah Rai International Airport, where immigration officers apprehended him as part of an operation tied to an Interpol Red Notice issued at Spain’s request.
Interpol Red Notice Sparks Extradition
According to Untung Widiyatmoko, head of Indonesia’s Interpol branch, Lyons was flagged by the immigration system for a Red Notice. This international alert allows law enforcement to detain a suspect for extradition. The man will be transferred to Spain on Wednesday, as per Widiyatmoko’s statement in Denpasar.
“The arrest is part of a coordinated effort between Spanish and Scottish police,” said Bali Police Chief Daniel Adityajaya.
Lyons has been on Spain’s wanted list since 2024, following a murder investigation there. His alleged role in a transnational criminal group involves orchestrating financial schemes through shell companies across Europe and the Middle East, including Spain, Scotland, England, Dubai, Qatar, Bahrain, and Turkey.
Joint Investigation and Recent Raids
Recent operations linked to Lyons saw simultaneous raids in Spain, Scotland, and other regions, supported by Europol and international partners like the Netherlands and the UAE. The case also involves his brother and a colleague, who were slain in a suspected gang-related attack at a beachfront bar in Fuengirola last May.
“The two companions are believed to still be in Bali, though they are not under arrest,” noted Bugie Kurniawan of the immigration office.
Scottish media reported that Lyons survived a 2006 shooting in Glasgow, which killed his cousin, and later relocated to Spain before settling in Dubai. His criminal activities have now drawn attention from both Spanish and British authorities, prompting international cooperation to secure his extradition.
