Thirteen arrested in organised crime raids in Scotland and Spain

Thirteen people have been arrested by police in Scotland and Spain as part of joint investigations into serious and organised crime.

Eight men were arrested by Police Scotland on Friday at properties in Glasgow, Lanarkshire and West Lothian.

In Spain, five people were arrested as part of a co-ordinated operation with the Spanish Guardia Civil, facilitated by Eurojust (the EU Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation).

Police said that in Scotland, eight men aged 64, 46, two aged 45, one aged 41, two aged 39 and a 35-year-old were arrested in connection with alleged serious organised crime offences.

They are expected to appear in court in due course.

Detective Chief Inspector George Calder, from Police Scotland’s Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism unit, said: “Today’s operation is the result of extensive investigatory work over a number of years and we will continue to utilise detectives and specialists from across Police Scotland as our efforts continue.

“I hope this day of action makes it clear to those intent on being involved in serious and organised crime that we will not give up and you will be brought to justice.

“Enforcement action is just one area of our work and we will continue to use every tool and tactic available to relentlessly pursue anyone involved in serious criminality.

“We continue to work closely with our colleagues in partner agencies, including the National Crime Agency and the Guardia Civil, by sharing information, resources and intelligence in stamping out illegal activity.

“This is in line with our commitment to achieving the aim and vision of Scotland’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy Taskforce.”

Eurojust said judicial co-operation between the national authorities began in May 2024 at Eurojust, with the support of Europol.

It is understood the arrests are not linked to Operation Portaledge which is investigating a spate of violent incidents which have taken place in the east and west of Scotland.

Anyone with information about serious and organised crime is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.