Dubai Police, in coordination with the UAE Ministry of Interior, played a key role in a major international operation that dismantled the “Lyons Clan,” a violent criminal organization linked to drug trafficking and money laundering.
The crackdown was conducted under Operation Armorum, led by Spain’s Guardia Civil, and resulted in the arrest of 14 suspects across multiple countries, including the United Arab Emirates. Authorities said 20 more individuals remain under investigation in Spain.
Dubai Police confirmed they arrested a member of the network upon arrival at a Dubai airport after an Interpol Red Notice was issued. Officials said the swift arrest reflects the force’s high readiness and advanced security systems in combating transnational crime.
The operation brought together law enforcement agencies including Dubai Police, the Spanish Guardia Civil, Europol, the UK’s National Crime Agency, and the US Drug Enforcement Administration, among others.
Investigations showed the group operated across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, using shell companies and complex financial transactions to launder proceeds from illegal drug operations and conceal criminal activity.
Authorities said the coordinated effort successfully disrupted the network’s structure, identified key members, and led to the seizure of assets linked to its operations, underscoring strengthened global cooperation against organized crime.
