The National Crime Agency (NCA) has unveiled a list of the UK's 12 most wanted fugitives, who are believed to be hiding in Spain. The rogues' gallery includes suspected murderers, drug barons, and conmen, and was launched in collaboration with Spanish police and Crimestoppers. The campaign marks the 20th anniversary of Operation Captura, a multi-agency effort that has successfully brought 98 of 111 named fugitives to justice.
Operation Captura: Two Decades of Pursuit
Rob Jones, the NCA's director general of operations, emphasized the ongoing commitment to capturing these individuals. 'As we mark the 20th anniversary of Operation Captura, our message is very clear. Spain is not a safe haven for fugitives, and this partnership has shown time and again that if you run, we will not stop looking. We will find you, and we will bring you back to face justice,' he stated.
NCA deputy director of international Rick Jones explained that criminals often attempt to blend in with British expatriates and may continue their illegal activities while in Spain. 'They will generally integrate themselves into these communities, which are populated by many thousands of British people who are perhaps enjoying their retirement or running businesses there. 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 said.
Fugitives' Methods and Impact
Fugitives frequently use fake passports and, in extreme cases, undergo surgery to alter their appearance to avoid detection. Rick Jones highlighted the serious harm caused by these criminals. 'These are serious criminals, and there's nothing glamorous for the victims who've been hurt by these individuals, whether that's people who have unfortunately got themselves addicted to drugs and will be harmed in a great many ways by that, or people being subject to frauds and perhaps lost a huge amount of money, maybe their life savings,' he added.
The 12 Most Wanted Fugitives
- Simon Dutton, 49: Wanted for recall to prison for organizing large-scale cocaine importations and money laundering. He has a 'Rachel' tattoo on his left arm and scars on his chin, left hand, and right leg.
- Dean Eighteen, 48: Wanted for submitting false VAT repayment claims. Believed to have left the UK in January 2019.
- Derek McGraw Ferguson, 62: Wanted for the 2007 murder of Thomas Cameron in Glasgow. Likely using an alias; featured in previous campaigns.
- Philip Barry Foster, 50: Wanted to serve an eight-and-a-half-year sentence for fraud and money laundering, involving victims paying for poor-quality photos under false modeling promises.
- Alexsandr Kuksov, 23: Russian national accused of laundering millions in criminal cash for an organized crime group. Added to the list in January 2026.
- Spencer Dillon Lamb, 33: Heavily tattooed, wanted for drug supply and cultivation. Has multiple tattoos and a scar under his left eye.
- Liam Michael Murray, 34: Wanted for involvement in cocaine and cannabis supply and possessing criminal cash. Has a North-East accent.
- Francis David Parker, 40: Believed to be a member of the Coggins organized crime group, wanted for directing drug couriers and collecting money.
- Kevin Thomas Parle, 45: Wanted for the murders of Liam Kelly (2004) and Lucy Hargreaves (2005). Has red hair and links to southern Spain.
- Matthew Purves, 41: Wanted for conspiracy to supply multiple kilos of cocaine. Has cropped auburn hair and links to southern Spain, Corby, and Peterborough.
- John Rocks, 37: Accused of sexual offences between 2012 and 2022. Slim build with fair hair.
- Charlie Salisbury, 34: Wanted for cocaine supply and money laundering. Has tattoos of a koi carp and dragon on his right arm and lower right leg.
Public Appeal and How to Help
British expats and holidaymakers in Spain are urged to review the most wanted list. The NCA advises not to approach any suspect or inform others if they decide to come forward. Information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers in the UK at 0800 555 111, or in Spain at 900 926 111, which will be answered by Crimestoppers in the UK with translation services available. An anonymous online form is also available at crimestoppers-uk.org/spain.
