The UK has launched a new information appeal for 12 fugitives believed to be hiding in Spain, with authorities urging the public to help locate suspects wanted in connection with fraud, money laundering and other serious crimes. The campaign is part of a wider effort by the National Crime Agency and Crimestoppers to trace long-running suspects and bring them to justice.
The appeal was unveiled in Alicante as part of Operation Captura, a long-running initiative aimed at encouraging public tips on fugitives thought to be living abroad. According to reporting on the campaign, the 12 men are among the UK’s most wanted suspects, and the offences linked to them include murder, drug trafficking, fraud and money laundering.
Authorities said the suspects are believed to be in Spain or have links there, and the campaign is designed to reach the British community and wider public in popular holiday areas where fugitives may be trying to avoid detection. The NCA and Crimestoppers have stressed that even small pieces of information could help investigators identify the men and move cases forward.
One of the best-known names on the list is Kevin Parle, who is wanted in connection with two Merseyside murders, while another fugitive, Derek Ferguson, is wanted over the fatal shooting of Thomas Cameron in Glasgow in 2007. The list also includes Simon Dutton, who is wanted after breaching a Serious Crime Prevention Order following convictions linked to cocaine importation operations. While the current appeal covers a range of serious offences, fraud and money laundering remain central concerns because of their links to organised criminal networks and hidden financial flows.
Crimestoppers said the appeal marks two decades of work focused on identifying wanted criminals with ties to Spain and encouraging the public to share anonymous intelligence. The charity reiterated that callers in the UK can contact 0800 555 111, while callers in Spain can use 900 926 111, with translation support available if needed. An anonymous online form is also available for people who prefer to submit information digitally.
The campaign reflects the continuing cooperation between UK law enforcement agencies, charities and overseas partners in tracking fugitives across borders. Spain has repeatedly featured in UK fugitive appeals because of its large British expatriate population and the ease with which suspects may try to blend into tourist-heavy coastal areas. Officials say public awareness remains an important part of such operations because many wanted individuals depend on anonymity rather than sophisticated concealment.
For financial crime investigators, the inclusion of fraud and money laundering suspects highlights the broad threat posed by economic crime alongside violent offending. Money laundering cases in particular are often tied to organised criminal groups, making fugitive recovery an important part of wider enforcement efforts. The latest appeal underscores that UK authorities are continuing to pursue suspects even years after the alleged offences, especially when cross-border movement complicates arrests.