UK Identifies 12 Fugitives Hiding in Spain

The UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) has identified 12 most-wanted fugitives, including a man from Glasgow sought for a fatal shooting in 2007, believed to be hiding in Spain. Derek McGraw Ferguson, 62, is among the suspects named as part of Operation Captura's 20th anniversary campaign.

According to BBC, Ferguson is described as a white male, 5ft 3in (160cm) tall and of stocky build. He is thought to have fled Scotland after the shooting death of Thomas Cameron outside the Auchinairn Tavern in Bishopbriggs. The NCA believes he may be living under an alias.

Another key suspect, Kevin Parle, 45, from Liverpool, is wanted for two separate murders: the shooting of Lucy Hargreaves, a young mother killed in her home in August 2005, and Liam Kelly, a teenage boy shot dead in June 2004. There has been no trace of Parle since these incidents.

The operation, a joint initiative with Spanish law enforcement and Crimestoppers, has resulted in 98 fugitives being located and returned to the UK out of 111 listed since its inception. As reported by Sky News, NCA director general Rob Jones warned that 'Spain is not a safe haven for fugitives,' emphasizing that many continue to commit crimes while evading capture.

The suspects are wanted for various offenses, including murder, large-scale drug trafficking, fraud, and money laundering. Areas with significant British expat populations like Marbella, Malaga, Alicante, Tenerife, and Benidorm have been identified as potential hiding spots. The public is urged to contact Crimestoppers anonymously with any information.

Lord Ashcroft, founder of Crimestoppers UK, highlighted the importance of community involvement in bringing these criminals to justice. 'With Crimestoppers, our anonymity guarantee means you can pass on information about dangerous fugitives without any fear of retribution,' he said as reported by BBC. The campaign aims to raise awareness and encourage cooperation between UK and Spanish authorities.

In a recent development, one of Britain's most wanted fugitives suspected of importing large amounts of cocaine into the UK has been arrested in Spain. Simon Dutton, 49, originally from Bolton, Greater Manchester, was held in La Nucia, near Benidorm. According to BBC, Dutton had been wanted by Greater Manchester Police in connection with organizing large importations of cocaine and money laundering.

The NCA's deputy director Rick Jones noted that criminals often integrate themselves into British expat communities in Spain, continuing to offend while hiding among society. This arrest underscores the ongoing efforts to trace and apprehend the remaining fugitives listed as part of Operation Captura.