Holidaymakers asked to look out for UK fugitives this summer
The National Crime Agency has asked British holidaymakers to help in the capture of 11 of the UK’s most-wanted fugitives who are believed to be on the run in Europe.
All off the 11 have links to Spain, but the NCA and Crimestoppers say they may have moved around the continent and be using fake identification.
The NCA said: "Suspected murderers, sex offenders and drugs traffickers are among just 11 fugitives left on the run in a campaign that has seen 84 offenders already caught across Europe.
"The National Crime Agency and the charity Crimestoppers are urging the public to help us catch the last fugitives who have escaped justice.
"All of them have connections to Spain but may have moved around over the years and will be using false identities. We are re-releasing their details as millions of Brits are enjoying their summer holidays abroad."
The fugitives include Sarah Panitzke, 45, from Fulford, near York, who is wanted on suspicion on laundering approximately £1bn for a crime group involved in VAT fraud.
Eighteen members of her crime group received sentences totalling 135 years.
Also on the list is alleged murderer Allan Foster, 43, who has been on the run since May 2006 when David Rice was shot dead as he sat in his car in South Shields, Tyne and Wear.
The NCA works closely with Crimestoppers, the Spanish authorities, UK law enforcement agencies and the British Embassy in Madrid as part of the Operation Captura campaign.
Andy Cooke-Welling, of the NCA’s International Crime Bureau, said: "Operation Captura has been a resounding success.
"But we are still hunting the remaining fugitives on our list and will not stop.
"We urge holidaymakers and expats in Spain and elsewhere across Europe to keep their eyes and ears open this summer.
"There may also be people in the UK with vital information on their whereabouts, and we would urge them to get in touch. Having the public’s attention focused on them makes it so much harder to hide."
Mark Hallas, chief executive at Crimestoppers charity, said: "Members of the public are one of our greatest weapons in the fight against crime. Once again we are asking the public to help track down most wanted individuals who are sought in connection with some violent, sexual and highly organised crimes."
If sighted, the public are advised not to approach any of the fugitives but to contact the police immediately.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of a fugitive should can contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously at crimestoppers-uk.org or call 0800 555 111.
Click here to see the full list of fugitives.
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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