Gangland Arsonist Sentenced to Over Seven Years
A man involved in a gang-related arson campaign in Edinburgh has been sentenced to more than seven years in prison. Logan Carlin, 24, was convicted for launching firebombs at two businesses in March 2025 as part of an attempt to intimidate a rival gang.
The Attacks
Carlin targeted Belle Cheveux, a beauty salon located on Albert Street, on March 6, before following up with an attack on DB Auto Services on Milton Road East ten days later. The High Court in Edinburgh was informed that the beauty salon was part-owned by an individual with connections to organised crime, escalating the potential danger to local residents.
During the court proceedings, it was stated that the blaze could have placed nearby inhabitants in “mortal danger,” highlighting the reckless nature of Carlin’s actions as part of a violent feud among gangs across Edinburgh.
Charges and Sentencing
Carlin appeared via video link for the sentencing where he admitted to two counts of willful fire-raising. Defence attorney Andrew Crosbie described him as a “useful idiot,” suggesting that Carlin had acted under the influence of more powerful gang members. Crosbie noted that Carlin came from a supportive family and acknowledged his poor decisions over the past year.
In his statement, Judge Lord Summers emphasised that Carlin’s actions were aggravated by his connections to organised crime. He clarified that the salon was partially owned by someone linked to a serious crime group and that the intention behind the attacks was clearly to intimidate adversaries.
Impact and Context
The incidents involving Carlin are part of a broader investigation, Operation Portaledge, initiated by Police Scotland. This operation aims to address gang activity and instances of violence that have plagued areas in both eastern and western Scotland.
As well as causing significant damage, the attacks further exacerbated concerns regarding public safety amidst ongoing gang conflicts. Judge Summers took into account that there were residential flats in the same building as the salon, adding that had the fire spread, it could have endangered the lives of individuals living above. He ultimately imposed a sentence of seven years and four months, retroactively dated from April 8, 2025.
Background
This case underscores the serious nature of gang-related activity in the UK, a growing concern for law enforcement agencies. The violent feud that initiated this spate of arsons reflects escalating tensions between rival groups, prompting a coordinated response from authorities to curb such criminal behaviour. The involvement of innocent civilians in these violent acts underscores the urgency with which police must tackle organised crime.
Source: Original Article
