UK’s 11 most wanted fugitives could be hiding in Spain as police launch public appeal

British and Spanish authorities have launched a renewed appeal to trace 11 of the United Kingdom’s most wanted fugitives who are believed to be hiding in Spain, as police confirmed the arrest of one suspect in Alicante during a separate drug trafficking investigation.

The latest edition of the international “Most Wanted” campaign was presented in Alicante this week by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) in collaboration with Spanish law enforcement agencies. The initiative focuses on fugitives linked to organised crime who are suspected of living in various parts of Spain, particularly along the Mediterranean coast.

The campaign includes individuals wanted for offences ranging from large-scale drug trafficking and fraud to money laundering and violent crime. Authorities believe several fugitives may be using false identities and established criminal networks to evade capture.

Fugitives wanted for drugs, fraud and violent crime

Among the fugitives named in the campaign is Kevin Thomas Parle, 57, who is wanted in connection with the murders of Liam Kelly and Lucy Hargreaves in Liverpool in 2004.

Derek McGraw Ferguson, 60, is sought by Scottish authorities over the fatal shooting of a man in Glasgow in 2007. Alexsandr Vladimirovich Kuksov, 25, is wanted after being convicted over a cocaine trafficking and money laundering conspiracy linked to organised crime networks.

The list also includes Simon Dutton, 59, who is accused of involvement in large-scale cocaine trafficking offences, and Dean Eighteen, 31, who is wanted in relation to drug offences.

Philip Barry Foster, 61, a former television actor, is accused of fraud linked to an alleged investment scam investigation. Authorities are also searching for John Rocks, 47, Spencer Dillon Lamb, 33, Matthew Purves, 31, Liam Michael Murray, 27, Francis David Parker, 63, and Charlie Salisbury, 30, over offences including drug trafficking, Sexual offences, money laundering and violent crime

Guardia Civil operation leads to arrest in Alicante

The appeal comes as the Guardia Civil confirmed the arrest of Simon Dutton, the campaign’s 12th featured fugitive in Alicante province during an operation targeting drug trafficking and document fraud. The arrest took place in Benidorm and La Nucía following an investigation that began in November 2025. Officers were alerted by the owner of a parcel delivery business in Benidorm after a suitcase containing 16 kilograms of hashish destined for the United Kingdom was discovered.

Investigators identified the woman who allegedly arranged the shipment using false documentation. Police later determined that she had attended the premises with another individual while two men provided logistical support by transporting the suitcase to the shop. As the investigation progressed, officers identified all those involved and confirmed that one suspect was the subject of an international arrest warrant issued by British authorities at the end of 2025 for offences related to drug trafficking.

British and Spanish agencies coordinate investigation

The operation was led by the Organised Crime and Drugs Team (EDOA) of the Alicante Guardia Civil Judicial Police Unit, with support from the Fugitive Tracking Team of the Central Operative Unit (UCO). British officers from the NCA also collaborated in confirming the identity of the main suspect and coordinating the investigation.

During searches carried out in Benidorm and La Nucía, officers from the Guardia Civil’s Reserve and Security Group (ARS), dog handling units and local patrols seized various quantities of narcotics, €4,000 in cash, false identity documents and two vehicles allegedly used by the suspects.

Four people were arrested in total on suspicion of drug trafficking and document forgery offences. The main suspect, a 49-year-old man, is due to appear before Spain’s National Court as extradition proceedings linked to the UK arrest warrant continue.

Public asked to provide information on suspects

Spanish authorities said the arrest coincided with the relaunch of the “Most Wanted” campaign, which aims to encourage members of the public to provide information on fugitives believed to be hiding in Spain.

Anyone who recognises one of the suspects can contact the campaign anonymously through the Spanish freephone number 900 926 111. Information can also be provided from the United Kingdom on 0800 555 111 or online through the Operation Captura reporting platform operated by Crimestoppers.

The NCA has previously said that Spain remains a common destination for British organised crime suspects because of established expatriate communities, transport links and access to international criminal networks. British and Spanish authorities have continued to expand intelligence-sharing operations in recent years in an effort to locate and extradite suspects wanted for serious offences.