Scottish crime boss Steven Lyons to face trial in Spain after extradition ruling

A Dutch court has ruled that alleged head of Lyons crime clan can be extradited to Spain, where he faces accusations of money laundering and drug trafficking

Published Jun 18, 2026  •  Last updated 5 minutes ago  •  2 minute read

On Thursday, a court in Amsterdam ruled that Steven Lyons will be extradited to Spain to stand trial for multiple crimes committed in Spain.  Photo by Ngurah Rai Immigration Office

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A Scottish mafia boss will soon be heading to Spain, courtesy of the European judicial system. 

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On Thursday, a court in Amsterdam ruled that Steven Lyons will be extradited to Spain to stand trial for multiple crimes committed allegedly committed there.

“(There is) no evidence of a general risk that suspects in criminal procedures will not receive a fair trial in Spain,” said the International Legal Assistance Division of the District Court of Amsterdam, adding that it was up to the Spanish courts to assess whether Lyons’ right to a fair trial had been infringed. 

Lyons’ lawyer, Arne Kloosterman, argued that the arrest warrant issued for his client should not be enforced because his right to a fair trial had been violated. 

Lyons is the alleged head of the Lyons crime clan based in Glasgow. He is accused of running a global criminal empire involved in money laundering, drug trafficking, and violent incidents across Europe spanning more than 20 years.  

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Arrested in Bali

He was arrested in Indonesia on March 28 under a European arrest warrant issued by Spain’s Guardia Civil. 

The Guardia Civil is one of Spain’s two national police forces. It serves as the country’s primary rural and highway police service, handling criminal investigations, border control, and traffic safety.

After his arrest, he was deported to the Netherlands on April 7 because Spain does not have an extradition agreement with Indonesia.   

On the most wanted list

The Guardia Civil estimates Lyons laundered more than $48 million. Reports indicate he has been on Spain’s most wanted list for two years.  

Prior to his arrest in Bali, Spanish police raided multiple properties and businesses on the Costa del Sol and arrested several associates linked to the gang. 

In total, 14 members were arrested in Spain, Scotland, Turkey, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates, with 20 more currently under investigation. The crime lord’s wife, Amanda Lyons, was also arrested in Dubai. She was wanted by Interpol.  

The 46-year-old did not appear in court on Thursday. There is no possibility of an appeal, and no definitive date has been set for his extradition.

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