Bolton man arrested in Spain after UK most wanted appeal

The arrest came shortly after law enforcement agencies released details of 12 fugitives believed to be living in Spain under false identities or within expatriate communities.

Simon Dutton, aged 49 and from Bolton, was arrested in La Nucía near Benidorm on Thursday, May 14.

He had been named as one of the most wanted fugitives linked to Spain, with authorities warning the public that the individuals “are not the people you want in your neighbourhood”.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) said the operation is part of a wider, long-running effort to trace suspects believed to be evading justice overseas.

Rob Jones, NCA Director General of Operations, said: “Fugitives rarely stop offending while on the run.

Simon Dutton, a wanted criminal thought to be hiding in Spain who is named in the latest list under Operation Captura. (Image: NCA/PA Wire)

“They continue to harm communities in both Spain and the UK, and attempt to stay under the radar by blending into large British ex-pat populations.

“These are not people you want in your neighbourhood.”

He added that suspects “will generally integrate themselves into these communities” and use them to avoid detection while continuing to offend.

The agency said some fugitives use false identities and, in some cases, change their appearance in an attempt to avoid being recognised.

Authorities believe many continue criminal activity while on the run, including drug trafficking, fraud and money laundering across borders.

Dutton had previously been sentenced for organising large-scale cocaine importations into the UK and money laundering offences.

He was also wanted over alleged false passport offences and breaching a Serious Crime Prevention Order.

he 12 most wanted criminals thought to be hiding in Spain who are named in the latest list under Operation Captura. (Image: NCA)

One interception linked to the investigation was valued at around £1.5 million, according to the National Crime Agency.

The wider appeal forms part of Operation Captura, which has been running for 20 years and has led to numerous arrests of suspects believed to be in Spain.

Officials say that since the campaign began, 11 public appeals have resulted in 98 arrests out of the 111 fugitives identified.

In the past year alone, 56 suspects have been extradited back to the UK from Spain as part of ongoing cooperation between police forces.

Members of the public are being urged not to approach suspects but to report any information anonymously to Crimestoppers.