15 Oct, 2026 @ 19:17
1 min read

Ibiza party boss named new Scottish mafia lieutenant after ‘hanging around in Marbella and getting to know the criminal expats there’

Thomas Bilsland and Steven Lyons
Thomas Bilsland has reportedly risen the ranks in the feared Lyons criminal gang. Credit: Instagram

AN Ibiza party boss has switched sides in Scotland’s brutal gangland wars after building links with its leading figures on the Costa del Sol.

Thomas Bilsland, 39, is said to have abandoned the rival Daniel clan and worked his way into the upper ranks of the feared Lyons crime family after spending time in Marbella and getting to know criminal expats living there, according to the Daily Record.

The move comes as the Lyons organisation battles against a major police crackdown spanning several countries, with kingpin Steven Lyons himself now in custody in Spain.

Bilsland’s reported rise follows years of violence between the rival crime groups, including a vicious attack that left him seriously injured in Glasgow in 2017.

Masked men armed with blades reportedly set upon him, leaving him with a fractured skull and stab wounds – with several Lyons associates jailed over the attack.

However, according to a gangland source, Bilsland became disillusioned with the Daniel clan several years ago and began spending more time around Marbella.

There, he reportedly grew close to Ross Monaghan, a key figure in the Lyons gang who was shot dead at a bar in Fuengirola in May 2025.

He was subsequently introduced to Lyons and rose the ranks in his inner circle, regularly visiting him in Dubai before he was snared by police.

READ MORE: These are the costa crimes Spanish police are set to interrogate Scottish crime boss Steven Lyons about – could it lead to the unravelling of the entire ‘super cartel’?

Steven Lyons in prison
Steven Lyons remains in custody in Spain after his arrest in Bali

“Thomas Bilsland was public enemy number one with the Lyons not so long ago, but it is all about business at the end of the day and he is a good earner,” the source said.

Bilsland spends much of the year in Ibiza, where he mixes with high-profile DJs and celebrities while offering party services to holidaymakers.

His social media posts advertise supplies for parties, with potential customers invited to request a menu and arrange orders through WhatsApp.

The claims come as Spanish investigators continue to target the Lyons gang, which authorities believe laundered tens of millions of euros through businesses on the Costa del Sol.

Lyons arrived in Spain in June after being arrested in Bali in March on a European Arrest Warrant issued by the Guardia Civil.

He is facing allegations including murder, drug trafficking and money laundering.

With senior figures dead or behind bars, Bilsland could now be well placed to take on a more prominent role in the organisation, although his alleged position within the gang has not been independently verified.

Click here to read more Spain News from The Olive Press.

Ben is an award-winning journalist who joined the Olive Press in January 2024 and is currently Deputy Digital Editor. He loves the adrenaline rush of a breaking news story and the tireless work required to uncover an eye-opening exclusive. He has reported from Marbella, Barcelona and London, where he is currently studying an MA in International Journalism. Send tips to ben@theolivepress.es

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Turismo moj car 1 featured restaurant cover
Previous Story

Disney-themed celebrations to light up Mojacar’s sky as the Almeria town embraces Christmas

Costa del Sol torrential downpours weather alert
Next Story

Costa del Sol braces for torrential rain as AEMET issues yellow warnings ahead of weekend deluge

Turismo moj car 1 featured restaurant cover
Previous Story

Disney-themed celebrations to light up Mojacar’s sky as the Almeria town embraces Christmas

Costa del Sol torrential downpours weather alert
Next Story

Costa del Sol braces for torrential rain as AEMET issues yellow warnings ahead of weekend deluge

Latest from Crime & Law

Create a free account, or log in.

Gain access to read this article, plus limited free content.

Yes! I would like to receive new content and updates.

Go toTop