Police Arrest Head of Notorious Daniel Crime Family in Organised Crime Crackdown
Steven Daniel, the 46-year-old head of the infamous Glasgow crime family, has been arrested in an early morning raid as part of a major UK-wide operation targeting organised crime.
One of Scotland's most prominent gangland figures, Steven 'Bonzo' Daniel, was arrested in a dawn raid at his home in the Robroyston area of Glasgow on Wednesday morning, in a significant blow to organised crime in the country. The 46-year-old, understood to be the head of the notorious Daniel crime family, was taken into custody at approximately 06:00 by officers from Police Scotland. The arrest, part of the UK-wide Operation Ventetic, was made in connection with serious and organised crime, firearms, and drugs offences.
BBC Scotland News observed the operation, which unfolded with military precision shortly before sunrise. Dozens of officers were briefed at a nearby police station before a convoy descended on Daniel's property. Two uniformed officers initially approached the house, speaking to him through a first-floor window, before an officer with a police dog moved in. Moments later, Daniel left through the front door and was placed into the back of a police van. In a simultaneous operation less than four miles away in Garthamlock, a second man, Steven Gordon, 39, was also arrested on suspicion of similar offences, including conspiracy to murder.
The arrests mark the latest escalation in Police Scotland's efforts to dismantle the Daniel family, which has been engaged in a violent 25-year feud with the rival Lyons family. The Scottish arm of Operation Venetic has resulted in more than 60 arrests since 2020, when the National Crime Agency successfully penetrated a secret communications system used by criminals. Assistant Chief Constable Dave Ferry said: "The chief constable has made it clear that those intent on being involved in serious and organised crime will be brought to justice. This enforcement action underlines that commitment."
Daniel is no stranger to violence. In May 2017, he suffered serious facial wounds after being attacked following a 100mph car chase through Glasgow. His arrest this week, however, represents a more direct challenge to his operations by the authorities. Police Scotland has vowed to continue using "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." Both men remain in custody as inquiries continue.