Else Beekman
A 44‑year‑old man has been arrested by Merseyside Police in Liverpool, accused of carrying out the targeted killing of two Scotsmen in Fuengirola, Spain. The arrest follows an international warrant issued by a Spanish court after the deadly attack on 31 May.
Spanish investigators from UDYCO Costa del Sol, the specialised anti-organised crime unit, identified the suspect and requested the international order through the Court of Instruction No. 2 in Fuengirola. British authorities subsequently detained the man on Friday afternoon. He appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday and is currently in custody as extradition proceedings advance.
Fuengirola shooting as two Scots killed in suspected gangland attack outside Irish bar
Scene of horror at Irish bar
The shooting unfolded in a well-known Irish pub on Fuengirola’s seaside promenade, just after 11.00 pm on 31 May. CCTV footage reveals a masked gunman opening fire outside, fatally shooting one victim. He then pursued the second man inside the pub, delivering a close-range execution as stunned locals and tourists fled in panic. The suspect fled on foot before being picked up by a getaway driver who sped off towards Benalmádena.
Victims named, links to Glasgow crime family
Victims have been identified as Ross Monaghan (43) and Eddie Lyons Jr (46), both with known connections to Glasgow’s Lyons crime family. Monaghan had previously relocated to Spain after surviving a shooting in Glasgow in 2017. He and Lyons were previously acquitted in a high-profile murder case involving gangster Kevin “Gerbil” Carroll.
A broader wave of violence
Experts warn that this double killing is part of a worrying surge in gang-related violence on the Costa del Sol. Earlier this year, a British man was killed in Calahonda in April, and a nightclub shooting occurred in Marbella—underlining a disturbing trend. Spanish authorities emphasise the need for more resources to combat this escalation.
Scotland’s gang feud not currently linked
Despite the victims’ Glasgow origins, police in Scotland report “no intelligence” at present connecting this incident with the Central Belt gang feud (Operation Portaledge). However, they are offering support to Spanish investigators.
Next steps in the investigation
The court in Fuengirola continues its probe under a secrecy order. UDYCO is analysing CCTV footage and witness accounts from over ten people who saw the incident unfold. The suspect remains in custody in the UK pending extradition, which could be delayed if he contests the proceedings.
Sources: CadenaSer, Málaga Hoy
Deadly Fuengirola shooting deepens Costa del Sol crime concerns