One of the UK’s most wanted fugitives has been arrested in Spain just hours after the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Spanish police launched a fresh appeal to catch criminals hiding among British expatriates. Simon Dutton, 49, was taken into custody in La Nucia, near Benidorm, after being sentenced in Britain for organising large-scale cocaine importations and money laundering, with one seizure valued at £1.5 million.
The arrest came as part of Operation Captura, now in its 20th year, which has so far led to the capture of 98 out of 111 fugitives thought to be in Spain. The NCA and Crimestoppers published a “rogues gallery” of 12 individuals believed to be evading justice, warning holidaymakers and expats: “These are not the people you want in your neighbourhood.”
NCA deputy director of international Rick Jones said criminals often blend into British expat communities and may continue offending while abroad. “They will generally integrate themselves into these communities, which are populated by many, thousands of British people who are perhaps enjoying their retirement or running businesses there,” he said. He added that fugitives use fake passports and sometimes undergo surgery to alter their appearance to avoid detection.
The list includes Alexander Kuksov, 23, wanted for money laundering and helping Russian oligarchs avoid sanctions; Kevin Parle, 45, wanted for two murders in Merseyside; and Derek McGraw Ferguson, 62, wanted for a murder in Glasgow in 2007. The NCA noted that 56 criminals were extradited back to the UK from Spain last year.
Members of the public with information are urged to contact Crimestoppers anonymously, either in the UK on 0800 555 111 or in Spain on 900 926 111. “Fugitives rarely stop offending while on the run,” said NCA director general Rob Jones. “They continue to harm communities in both Spain and the UK, and attempt to stay under the radar by blending into large British expat populations.”
