The Diplomat
Spanish and British authorities yesterday launched a new campaign to locate and bring to justice twelve of the UK’s most wanted fugitives, who are allegedly hiding in Spain.
The twelve, all of them men, are wanted for crimes such as murder, large-scale drug trafficking and supplying firearms and ammunition, according to a press conference held yesterday by the Secretary of State for Security of the Ministry of the Interior, Rafael Pérez; the British Minister Counselor in Spain, Sarah Cowley; the Director General of Operations of the British National Crime Agency (NCA), Steve Rodhouse; and the CEO of the NGO Crimestoppers, Mark Hallas.
The NCA is running the Most Wanted campaign in conjunction with the non-profit organization Crimestoppers and Spanish security forces as a follow-up to the successful Operation Capture campaign, which resulted in the arrest of 86 fugitives. Spain is one of the most popular destinations for the British and the two countries have a very strong security partnership.
“This campaign is just one example of the successful cooperation that exists between British and Spanish law enforcement,” said Sarah Cowley, during the press conference, which took place at the headquarters of the Security Technology Center (CETSE) in Madrid. “Operation Most Wanted allows us to strengthen and increase police collaboration between Spain and the UK with the aim of creating a hostile environment that makes it difficult for criminal organizations to establish themselves in Spain and for criminals to settle in our cities,” said Rafael Perez Ruiz.
“Spain is not a safe haven for fugitives,” said the NCA director of operations. “We have an excellent relationship with Spanish law enforcement and together we work day in and day out to protect the public,” continued Steve Rodhouse. “The 86 offenders apprehended as a result of our previous fugitive campaigns are proof that we never give up and are never far behind the criminals. Our Spanish partners have been crucial in many of these arrests,” he added.
All of the individuals included in the campaign are believed to have some links in mainland Spain or the Canary Islands, although they are present in a wide range of locations and operate throughout England, Scotland and Wales. Among the most wanted is 41-year-old Nana Oppong, who is wanted by Essex Police for the drive-by shooting and killing of 50-year-old Robert Powell. Allegedly, the victim and Oppong were from rival criminal factions. Also wanted is Jack Mayle, 30, for running a drug ring in South London. The list also includes Callum Halpin, 27, who is wanted by Greater Manchester Police for the murder of one dealer and the attempted murder of another. In addition, two men from Cardiff are wanted by South Wales Police for drug-related offenses and the NCA and Police Scotland are looking for 56-year-old James Stevenson, a Scotsman, for trafficking cocaine and Etizolam, the “street Valium”.
