Glasgow crime boss Steven 'Bonzo' Daniel arrested in dawn organised crime raid

Steven Daniel, 46, head of the notorious Daniel crime family, was taken into custody at his Glasgow home as part of Operation Venetic.

Glasgow crime boss Steven 'Bonzo' Daniel held in early morning police swoop

Steven 'Bonzo' Daniel, 46, one of Scotland's most prominent gangland figures, was arrested at approximately 06:00 on Wednesday at his home in Robroyston, north Glasgow, Google News UK — Crime (en) reports.

Daniel is widely understood to lead the Daniel crime family, which has been locked in a violent feud with the rival Lyons family for 25 years. He was charged in connection with serious and organised crime, firearms and drugs offences as part of Operation Venetic, a major UK-wide law enforcement effort that has dismantled multiple criminal networks.

BBC Scotland News joined the operation shortly before sunrise. Dozens of officers were briefed at a nearby police station before forming a convoy to Daniel's address. Two uniformed officers first approached the property and spoke to him through a first-floor window. A dog handler then moved in, and moments later Daniel emerged through the front door and was placed in the back of a police van.

A second man, Steven Gordon, 39, was simultaneously arrested in Garthamlock, less than four miles away. Gordon faces charges in connection with serious and organised crime, firearms and drugs offences, and conspiracy to murder. Both men are due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Thursday.

Assistant Chief Constable Dave Ferry said the operation reflected a firm commitment to pursuing those engaged in serious criminality. "The chief constable has made it clear that those intent on being involved in serious and organised crime will be brought to justice," Ferry said. "We will continue to take strong action and to use every tool and tactic available to relentlessly pursue those involved in serious criminality who seek to profit from the harm and misery they cause to communities in Scotland."

The Scottish strand of Operation Venetic has produced more than 60 arrests since 2020, when the National Crime Agency penetrated an encrypted communications network used by organised crime groups. Daniel himself was seriously injured in May 2017 when he was attacked following a 100mph car chase through Glasgow.

Source: Google News UK — Crime (en)