WIREDGOV

The NCA and Crimestoppers, the independent UK crime-fighting charity, are once again on the hunt for Britain’s most wanted.

Details of the ‘unlucky thirteen’ wanted individuals thought to be evading capture in Spain have been released as the latest appeal under Operation Captura.

The suspects are part of the eighth Captura appeal since its launch in 2006, and are wanted for crimes including attempted murder, sexual offences against a child and class A drug dealing.

The successful multi-agency campaign identifies serious criminals on the run wanted by UK law enforcement agencies for crimes committed in the UK. Since Operation Captura launched in October 2006, 53 out of 63 criminals have been arrested, with many now behind bars.

Crimestoppers and the NCA work closely with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in Madrid and with British and Spanish law enforcement agencies. The campaign highlights appeals for information on criminals who have European Arrest Warrants (EAWs) issued against them. Information given to Crimestoppers can help locate these criminals so that arrests can be carried out by the Spanish police.

Lord Ashcroft, KCMG PC, Founder and Chair of Crimestoppers, said: “The fact we are able to once again launch Operation Captura is an indication of how successful the last seven years have been since its inception.

“However despite our success so far, there are still a number of dangerous criminals who see Spain as a safe haven to hide from their past, but with the support of the Spanish and UK public, we can hunt them out and bring them to justice.”

Hank Cole, Head of International Operations for the National Crime Agency, said: “The NCA and its partners have the capability to pursue fugitives relentlessly. Spain is not a safe haven. Fifty three fugitives have been caught since Captura was launched, and many more linked to other operations.

“The exceptional level of collaboration and intelligence sharing with the Spanish authorities has been vital to many of these arrests. The most important thing though is the power of this campaign to harness the eyes and ears of the public, both here and in Spain.”

For those people calling from Spain there is a special freephone Spanish 900 555 111 telephone number which will be answered in the UK by Crimestoppers’ call agents and a translation service is available upon request. People can also pass on information anonymously via the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Click Here for full Press Release (details on the ‘unlucky thirteen’)