At least 12 of the UK's most wanted criminals are thought to be hiding out in Spain, police have warned. The National Crime Agency, in collaboration with Spanish police and Crimestoppers, unveiled a list of a dozen suspected murderers, money launderers and drug smugglers on Thursday. The release of the list marks 20 years since Operation Captura started - a multi-agency campaign that has seen 98 British suspects hiding out in Spain caught.
NCA director general Rob Jones said criminals hope to blend in among British expats and often continue offending while living in Spain. He said: 'Fugitives rarely stop offending while on the run. 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. These are not people you want in your neighbourhood.'
All men being hunted by cops believed to have links to Spain are thought to be hiding in areas that are popular among British tourists and expats, such as Tenerife, Marbella, Alicante, and Malaga.
Notable Fugitives on the List
Among the Most Wanted is Simon Dutton, 49. He has been on the run after being sentenced for organising large-scale importations of cocaine and money laundering. Derek McGraw Ferguson, 62, is wanted in connection with the murder of Thomas Cameron, which took place in Glasgow in 2007. Police believe Ferguson is living under an alias and has featured in previous campaigns. He remains one of Police Scotland's Most Wanted fugitives.
Philip Barry Foster, 50, is wanted to begin his eight-and-a-half-year prison sentence for fraud and money laundering. He ran a £13.6 million sham modelling agency scam, targeting over 6,000 victims. Dean Eighteen, 48, is wanted for submitting false VAT repayment claims on behalf of two companies. He is believed to have left the UK in January 2019.
Russian national Alexsandr Kuksov, 23, is accused of being involved with an organised crime group that laundered millions of pounds of criminal cash between September and October 2022. He was added to the Most Wanted list in January 2026. Heavily tattooed Spencer Dillon Lamb, 33, is wanted for supplying and cultivating drugs. Liam Michael Murray, 34, is wanted for his involvement in the supply of cocaine, cannabis and possession of criminal cash.
Kevin Thomas Parle, 42, is wanted in relation to the murders of Liam Kelly in 2004 and Lucy Hargreaves in 2005. Francis David Parker, 40, is believed to be a proactive member of the Coggins organised crime group (OCG). He is wanted for directing drug couriers and collecting money on behalf of the OCG. Matthew Purves, 41, is wanted for his involvement in a conspiracy to supply multiple kilos of cocaine across the UK. He is believed to have links to southern Spain as well as Corby and Peterborough. John Rocks, 37, is accused of committing sexual offences between 2012 and 2022. Charlie Salisbury, 34, is wanted on suspicion of supplying cocaine and laundering the proceeds of the crimes.
Fugitives Often Alter Appearances
Mr Jones of the NCA said fugitives often use fake passports in different names, and in extreme cases have surgery to alter their appearance to try to avoid detection during their new life in the sun. He told the Press Association: 'These are serious criminals and there's nothing glamorous for the victims who've been hurt by these individuals, whether that's people who have unfortunately got themselves addicted to drugs and will be harmed in a great, great many ways by that, or people being subject to frauds and perhaps lost a huge amount of money, maybe their life savings, from some of the individuals here.'
'They've chosen to operate outside the law, and they've chosen to leave this country and abuse the hospitality of a close neighbour of ours.' During the previous Operation Captura appeal, members of the public came forward with information within days. 'Integrate themselves, and a British expatriate community is ideal for that for them,' he added.
British ex-pats living in Spain and holidaymakers visiting the country are being encouraged to look at the most wanted list. Those with information are advised not to approach the suspect or tell them or anyone else if they decide to come forward. Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers anonymously in the UK on 0800 555 111, and in Spain 900 926 111, which will be answered by Crimestoppers in the UK using translation if required.
In the past year, 56 criminals have been extradited back to the UK from Spain. 'Today, we are asking for the public's help once more. Loyalties change, time moves on. If you have any information that could help us, now is the time to come forward,' Mr Jones said.
