The National Crime Agency (NCA), Spanish police, and Crimestoppers have unveiled a new list of the 12 most wanted individuals believed to be hiding in Spain, warning expatriates and holidaymakers: "These are not the people you want in your neighbourhood."
The appeal, launched on Thursday, is part of Operation Captura, now in its 20th year. The operation has issued 11 public appeals and led to the arrest of 98 out of 111 most wanted offenders and suspects thought to be in Spain.
Fugitives Blending into Expat Communities
NCA deputy director of international operations, Rick Jones, explained that criminals often try to blend in among British expats and may continue offending while living in Spain. "They will generally integrate themselves into these communities, which are populated by many, many thousands of British people who are perhaps enjoying their retirement or running businesses there," he said. "Criminals will do what they do here, which is integrate themselves and hide among society, and then abuse that trust of those communities and offend against them."
He added that modern technology makes it easy for them to target victims in other countries from anywhere in the world. "That's why we are so determined to leave no stone unturned and no safe place for them to do that and offend against the Spanish communities and our own back here."
Serious Criminals with No Glamour for Victims
Fugitives often use fake passports and, in extreme cases, undergo surgery to alter their appearance to avoid detection. "These are serious criminals and there's nothing glamorous for the victims who've been hurt by these individuals," Mr Jones said. "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. The NCA hopes for a similar response this time.
The 12 Most Wanted
The list includes Alexsandr Vladimirovich Kuksov, also known as Alexander Kuksov, 23, last known to be living in Tenerife. He is accused of being part of a gang that laundered millions in UK drug dealers' money by converting it into cryptocurrency, provided similar services for cyber criminals, and helped Russian oligarchs avoid sanctions by buying property in the UK.
Kevin Thomas Parle, 45, is wanted by Merseyside Police for two murders: Liam Kelly in Liverpool in 2004 and Lucy Hargreaves in Walton in 2005. He has links to Malaga and Costa Blanca.
Derek McGraw Ferguson, 62, described as white, 5ft 3ins, stocky and balding, is wanted by Police Scotland for the murder of Thomas Cameron outside a pub in Glasgow on June 28, 2007.
Extradition Figures and Public Appeal
In the past year, 56 criminals have been extradited back to the UK from Spain. NCA director general operations Rob Jones 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 ex-pat populations. These are not people you want in your neighbourhood."
British expats living in Spain and holidaymakers are encouraged to view the most wanted list. Those with information are advised not to approach the suspect or inform 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. Alternatively, members of the public can fill out an anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org/spain.
