The National Crime Agency (NCA), Spanish police, and Crimestoppers have released a list of the 12 most wanted fugitives believed to be hiding in Spain. The appeal, part of Operation Captura, warns British expatriates and holidaymakers that these individuals pose a serious threat to communities.
Within hours of the appeal, Simon Dutton, 49, was arrested in La Nucia, near Benidorm. He had been sentenced for organising large cocaine importations and money laundering, with one interception valued at £1.5 million. Dutton is now in custody in Spain.
Operation Captura, now in its 20th year, has led to the arrest of 98 out of 111 most wanted offenders. NCA deputy director Rick Jones stated that criminals often integrate into British expat communities and may continue offending. They use fake passports and sometimes undergo surgery to alter their appearance.
The list includes Alexander Kuksov, 23, accused of laundering drug money through cryptocurrency and helping Russian oligarchs avoid sanctions. Kevin Thomas Parle, 45, is wanted for two murders in Liverpool and Walton, while Derek McGraw Ferguson, 62, is sought for a murder in Glasgow.
In the past year, 56 criminals have been extradited from Spain to the UK. The NCA urges anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers anonymously in the UK on 0800 555 111 or in Spain on 900 926 111.
