Overview
- Authorities unveiled a new Operation Captura appeal on Thursday, and hours after the launch Spanish police arrested Simon Dutton in La Nucia near Benidorm.
- Investigators say 12 men on the list are wanted for crimes including murder, large‑scale drug trafficking, money laundering and major fraud in expat hubs such as Tenerife, Marbella, Alicante and Malaga.
- The NCA says fugitives try to blend into British communities in Spain and often use false identities or even cosmetic changes, so the public is urged to share anonymous tips through Crimestoppers.
- Operation Captura marks 20 years with 98 of 111 named fugitives caught to date, while 56 people were extradited from Spain to the UK in the past year, highlighting tight cooperation.
- Spanish authorities say Dutton is in custody for extradition and may also face local charges, and police expect more arrests as digital campaigns and joint raids draw fresh leads.