Steven 'Bonzo' Daniel, Glasgow gang leader, arrested in Operation Venetic raid

Steven Daniel, 46, head of the notorious Daniel crime family, was arrested at his Glasgow home in an early morning police raid. He faces charges of serious and organised crime, firearms and drugs offences.

Glasgow crime boss Steven Daniel taken into custody in dawn raid

One of Scotland's most prominent gangland figures, Steven 'Bonzo' Daniel, was arrested at his home in Robroyston, north Glasgow, at around 06:00 on Wednesday, BBC News reports.

Daniel, 46, is understood to lead the Daniel crime family, which has been engaged 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 operation 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 home. Two uniformed officers first approached the property and spoke with him through a first-floor window. A dog handler then moved in, and moments later Daniel left through the front door and was placed in a police van.

A second man, Steven Gordon, 39, was simultaneously arrested in Garthamlock, less than four miles away, 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 Police Scotland's commitment to pursuing those involved 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."

Scotland's arm of Operation Venetic has resulted in more than 60 arrests since 2020, when the National Crime Agency penetrated a secret communications network used by criminals. In May 2017, Daniel sustained serious facial injuries after being attacked following a 100mph car chase through Glasgow.

Source: BBC News