Liverpool's Criminal Underworld: A Shocking Arrest and a Dark History
The recent arrest of a Liverpool man, Michael Riley, in connection with the shooting of two Glasgow crime bosses in Spain has sent shockwaves through the criminal underworld. But this is just the tip of the iceberg in a complex web of gang activity spanning decades. Liverpool gangs have allegedly built a powerful network reaching as far as Scotland, with a focus on the lucrative drug trade.
A Surprising Arrest:
The spotlight on Liverpool's criminal connections intensified when Riley was arrested and extradited to Spain, accused of assassinating Ross Monaghan and Eddie Lyons Jr. in a Spanish bar. This incident sparked a deeper investigation into the illicit ties between Liverpool and Glasgow.
The Drug Pipeline:
Author and editor Richard Elias reveals a shocking truth: Liverpool has been a major supplier of hard drugs to Scotland's crime bosses for half a century, with Glasgow as the primary gateway. The heroin trade boom in the late 80s and early 90s further strengthened this drug connection.
The Liverpool-Glasgow Connection:
Elias, co-author of the bestseller 'Cocky' about Liverpool gangster Curtis Warren, claims that at one point, 80% of Scotland's narcotics originated from Merseyside. Couriers travel down the M74 and M6, exchanging money for drugs. Liverpool's port and the Seaforth container terminal provide a direct link to South and Central America and the Caribbean, making it a strategic hub for narcotics trafficking.
The Rise of Liverpool Gangs:
Liverpool's drug distribution network has expanded to smaller Scottish towns, but the city remains one of the top three hubs in the UK. Unlike other English cities, Liverpool has resisted infiltration by foreign criminal groups, such as the Albanians. The city's gangs have carefully avoided direct conflict with Glasgow's crime families, opting to establish their own networks in Aberdeenshire, Inverness, and the Highlands.
Gangster Legends and Violent Feuds:
Christopher Welsh Jr., known as the 'Scouse Escobar', ran a massive drug operation with his father, supplying cocaine and heroin to Glasgow gangs. Despite receiving significant prison sentences, Welsh Jr. quickly returned to trafficking drugs. Liverpool's criminal landscape is dominated by six major crime groups, unlike Glasgow's violent feud between the Lyons and Daniel families. Most violence, including fatal shootings, involves smaller 'postcode gangs' fighting for street territories, particularly in Liverpool's north.
The Gun Library:
Richard highlights a disturbing trend in Merseyside: a higher propensity for firearms-related violence compared to Scotland. He describes a 'library system' where weapons and ammunition can be rented, with increased fees for usage. This system has been in place for 30 years, yet Merseyside has seen no shootings in the first two months of 2026, despite Richard's claims.
A Dark History:
Liverpool's criminal history includes notorious figures like Tommy Comerford, Curtis Warren (once Interpol's top target and a Rich List member), and feared Scot Ian McAteer. McAteer was convicted of murdering a drug dealer in Liverpool, a crime that involved a plastic bag filled with dog excrement as a sign of contempt. The arrest of Michael Riley, a relatively unknown figure, has surprised many, and his trial is expected to take several years.
Controversial Connections:
Richard's insights into Liverpool's criminal underworld reveal a complex web of connections and a history of violence. But here's where it gets controversial: is Liverpool's criminal network a product of its geographical advantages, or is there a deeper cultural acceptance of gang activity? And what role do law enforcement agencies play in this ongoing battle against organized crime? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
