Truth about Dubai's 'gangster crackdown' and why it's not as it seems

Truth about Dubai's 'gangster crackdown' and its real implications

For over ten years, Dubai has been a refuge for drug traffickers, money launderers, fugitives, and sanctions-dodgers, often with the tacit approval of local authorities. The city's dazzling skyline and tax-free salaries attract thousands of British expatriates annually, but it has also long been a hub for a less reputable crowd.

Recently, the reported arrests of four prominent Scottish gangsters in Dubai in September stirred interest among Western law enforcement. Steven Lyons, Ross McGill, Stephen Jamieson, and Steven Larwood are believed to operate at the "highest levels" of organized crime in the UK and internationally. They have connections to an ongoing gang war responsible for numerous firebombings and shootings in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Of the four, three have been released, while Stephen Jamieson is reportedly still detained. His potential extradition remains uncertain. The UAE's recent decision to extradite the Kinahan gang's Sean McGovern to Ireland in May offers some optimism to police efforts.

Experts warn that Dubai's so-called 'gangster crackdown' is not as straightforward as it appears, as officials target certain high-profile criminals while turning a blind eye to many others.

This selective enforcement suggests underlying complexities in Dubai's approach to organized crime, indicating the crackdown may be more symbolic than comprehensive.

Author's summary: Dubai’s crackdown on gangsters appears selective, targeting prominent figures while allowing many criminals to operate, reflecting a complex and ambiguous approach to organized crime.

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Daily Mail Daily Mail — 2025-11-04

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