In the opulent and glittering city of Dubai, a growing community of criminals from around the world, including Scotland, are living lavish lifestyles far from the reach of their home country’s law enforcement. The United Arab Emirates has increasingly become a sanctuary for gangsters, cartel bosses, international hitmen, and other figures wanted by authorities globally.
Dubai is renowned for its indulgent lifestyle, world-class amenities, and luxury living, which has attracted members of organised crime syndicates seeking both comfort and anonymity. According to an underworld insider speaking to the Daily Record, Scottish gangsters in the city are "walking around Dubai freely without a care in the world," mingling with powerful drug dealers, fraudsters, and other criminals who are on Interpol Red Notices.
One notable figure living in Dubai is Steven Lyons, who has reportedly resided in the city for several years. The source said, "Nobody seems to notice him but that could be because his appearance has changed a lot since he was last pictured." The insider described Dubai as "paradise for criminals" due to its climate, opulent offerings, and the absence of the constant fear of arrest.
Many senior crime clan members are living discreetly in affluent residential communities such as Jumeirah Golf Estates, The Springs, The Lakes, and Damac Hills. Villas in these areas are priced between £250,000 and £7 million. These exclusive neighbourhoods are typically home to celebrities, international footballers, and billionaires, making them ideal locations for wealthy criminals wishing to evade attention. Younger criminals, on the other hand, usually prefer the anonymity offered by high-rise apartments in areas like Jumeirah Village Circle, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Bluewaters Island, and Downtown Dubai.
The lifestyle of these criminals includes frequenting expensive beach clubs where table reservations can start at £800, dining at upscale restaurants, and enjoying nightlife at sophisticated rooftop bars. Supercars, yacht hire, and luxury designer items such as Cartier watches, Rolex timepieces, and Prada clothing are commonly flaunted, signalling considerable financial resources.
The source elaborated, "The cartel bosses are easy to identify - you see them sitting in cafes with multiple phones spread across the table and designer bags on the seat. These sorts of players would never get involved in anything in their own country. They are supplying global drug markets – and doing it remotely – to keep the heat off themselves."
It appears that this environment allows Scottish criminals to operate with relative ease compared to other nations, with one insider noting that “Scottish drug dealers fly under the radar” compared to international criminals in Dubai.
Among the high-profile figures believed to be orchestrating criminal activity from Dubai is a man identified only as a "Mr Big," thought to be involved in instigating a gang war back in Scotland from the safety of his luxury residence. This individual, linked to Glasgow’s criminal underworld and reported to have once been an ultra supporter of Rangers football club, fled to Marbella but relocated to Dubai after a European arrest warrant was issued against him following the dismantling of the Encrochat communications network used by organised crime.
The source explained, "Encrochat might have been the reason he had to leave Scotland, but it is also why he has become one of the biggest drug dealers ever to come out of the country." The individual is believed to be working with crime syndicates across multiple continents to traffic large quantities of cocaine and has reportedly placed a bounty of £100,000 on the lives of his rivals in Scotland.
This "Mr Big’s" hit list includes some of the most feared crime clan members, including those connected to arch-enemies Mark Richardson and Steven "Bonzo" Daniel. A group known as Tamo Junto is suspected to be carrying out targeted attacks in Glasgow and Edinburgh under his direction. This group has released videos depicting shootings and firebombings, marked with a graphic logo featuring a fanged skull superimposed on a Scottish Saltire and crossed guns.
Steven Daniel, known by the nickname "Bonzo," who is 45 years old, was recently sighted in Dubai following attacks on his home in Bishopbriggs and that of his uncle, Norman, which were set on fire last week. The source remarked, "Bonzo has been seen a few times since he arrived. His face is so distinctive because of his scars. Strangely he has come to Dubai where the people who want him dead are living. But he knows the criminals over here won't do anything and risk extradition. It's a smart move. Dubai is home to some of the biggest crooks in the world but they all behave themselves. The police don't tolerate trouble here."
Dubai’s law enforcement is stringent in maintaining order among residents, including those from the criminal underworld, which may explain why gangsters and cartel figures operate with a calculated respect for the city’s rules while enjoying its many luxuries. The evolving landscape of organised crime has thus seen Dubai emerge not only as a playground for the global elite but also as a strategic base for those involved in serious criminal enterprise.
Source: Noah Wire Services