Key Takeaways
- A total of 62 people have been arrested as part of Operation Portaledge, a police operation investigating a spate of violent incidents in Scotland.
- The gangland feud has led to assaults, shootings, and fire bombings across eastern and western Scotland.
- The feud is believed to have started when a Scottish man based in Dubai targeted a crime group led by Mark Richardson.
- The violence has been linked to a long-standing rivalry between the Daniel and Lyons families in western Scotland.
- Several high-profile gangland figures were arrested in Dubai in September, but have since been released.
Introduction to the Gangland Feud
The gangland feud that has been raging across Scotland has taken a new turn with the deferral of sentence for a key figure, Carlin, until a hearing early next year. Carlin has been remanded in custody, and his case is just one of many that are being investigated as part of Operation Portaledge. This police operation was set up to tackle the spate of violent incidents that have plagued the country, particularly in the east and west of Scotland. The feud has led to a string of assaults, shootings, and fire bombings, leaving many communities living in fear.
The Origins of the Feud
The gangland feud is believed to have started when a Scottish man currently based in Dubai targeted a crime group led by Mark Richardson. This initial attack sparked a chain reaction of violence that spread across the west of Scotland, where there has been a long-standing rivalry between the Daniel and Lyons families. This rivalry dates back over 20 years and has been marked by periods of intense violence and bloodshed. The latest wave of attacks has seen several people with links to the Daniel family targeted, and the violence has shown no signs of abating.
The Spread of Violence
The violence has not been limited to one area, with incidents reported in both Glasgow and Edinburgh during the first half of the year. However, in recent months, the number of incidents appears to have calmed down, with fewer reports of violence and intimidation. Despite this, the police remain vigilant, and Operation Portaledge continues to investigate the many cases of violence and intimidation that have been reported. The operation has already led to the arrest of 62 people, and it is likely that more arrests will follow as the investigation continues.
High-Profile Incidents
One of the most high-profile incidents linked to the feud was the shooting of two prominent figures in the Lyons crime group, Eddie Lyons Jnr and Ross Monaghan, at a bar in Spain on 31 May. While Police Scotland has said that there is no evidence to suggest that the shooting was planned from Scotland, it is clear that the feud has had far-reaching consequences. The incident highlights the international connections of the gangs involved and the potential for violence to spill over into other countries. In addition to this incident, several high-profile gangland figures were arrested in Dubai in September, although they have since been released.
The Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the gangland feud is ongoing, and it is likely that more arrests will be made in the coming months. Operation Portaledge is a complex and wide-ranging operation that involves multiple agencies and jurisdictions. The police are working to disrupt the gangs involved and to bring those responsible for the violence to justice. The deferral of sentence for Carlin and the ongoing investigation are just two examples of the many cases that are being pursued as part of this operation. As the investigation continues, it is likely that more information will come to light about the gangs involved and the extent of their activities.
Conclusion
The gangland feud that has been raging across Scotland is a complex and deeply entrenched problem that will require a sustained effort to resolve. The police and other agencies are working to disrupt the gangs involved and to bring those responsible for the violence to justice. While there have been some high-profile incidents and arrests, the investigation is ongoing, and it is likely that more will be revealed in the coming months. The people of Scotland deserve to live without fear of violence and intimidation, and it is the responsibility of the authorities to ensure that this is the case. The deferral of sentence for Carlin and the ongoing investigation are just two examples of the many steps being taken to tackle this problem and to create a safer, more just society for all.