Crimes linked to TikTok in Scotland have surged dramatically, with Police Scotland recording 304 reports in 2024—a rise of over 150% from 121 in 2023. Overall, 627 crimes mentioning TikTok have been reported in the past three years, according to figures obtained under Freedom of Information.
Most Common Offences and Regional Hotspots
The most frequent offences were community and public order crimes, including breach of the peace, threats, and harassment, which rose from 56 in 2023 to 143 in 2024. Fraud cases linked to TikTok increased from nine to 55, while threats and extortion more than doubled from seven to 17. The Lothians and Scottish Borders recorded the highest number of TikTok-related crimes in 2024, with 61 reports. The age group most involved was 25–35.
Tamo Junto Gang's Use of TikTok
Since March 2024, the Tamo Junto (TMJ) gang has used TikTok to circulate footage of firebombings and shootings targeting rival gang members. Notable incidents include the firebombing of Belle Cheveux beauty salon in Edinburgh, where Logan Carlin, 24, was filmed starting a blaze. Carlin was jailed for seven years and four months after his DNA was found in a stolen vehicle.
In April 2024, a carpet and flooring unit in Bishopbriggs was torched, with footage set to The Prodigy's Firestarter ending with the message: "Daniels and Richardsons - every associate, every building will be targeted. Leave Scotland immediately." Later that month, Steven "Bonzo" Daniel's home was firebombed, with video showing a thug dousing the property in petrol and setting it alight.
Operation Portaledge and Arrests
Police Scotland launched Operation Portaledge 16 months ago to combat the violence, resulting in more than 60 arrests. Among the most shocking incidents was an attack in Edinburgh's Craiglockhart on May 8, 2024, where four thugs set fire to a Land Rover and an Audi outside a businessman's home. The four were jailed for a total of 25 years in March 2026.
The TMJ gang is believed to have been assisted by members of the Lyons crime family, who supplied names and addresses of targets. Counter-threats have been posted by a group called the A-team, linked to Mark Richardson. In January 2026, the TMJ gang threatened to "blow up" the home of Eddie Lyons Snr in Cumbernauld.
Police and TikTok Response
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Police Scotland is committed to protecting people and businesses from online crime... Online criminals are not immune to prosecution. Even if someone uses false details to post online we can still track them." TikTok stressed they are not involved in the crimes and work with police to assist investigations and remove illegal activity. They also provide teen accounts with safety features.
