Overview
- Authorities from the UK’s National Crime Agency, Spain’s Interior Ministry, and Crimestoppers launched the 20th Operation Captura list in Alicante on Thursday, naming 12 men wanted for murder, drug crimes, fraud, and a sexual offence.
- Hours later, the Guardia Civil arrested listed suspect Simon Dutton in an operation in Benidorm and La Nucía that also detained three others on drug trafficking and document-fraud charges.
- Investigators said the case stems from a November 2025 parcel check in Benidorm that uncovered 16 kilograms of hashish, and Dutton will now go before Spain’s National Court for extradition steps.
- Officials pointed to likely links with British expat hubs including Málaga, Alicante, and the Canary Islands, and urged anonymous tips via Crimestoppers at 900 926 111 or through its website.
- The campaign has publicly named 111 fugitives since 2006 and led to 98 captures, while Spanish forces have arrested 254 UK fugitives since 2019, underscoring close coordination designed to deny safe haven in Spain.