Operation Captura returns

Criminals hiding on the Costas beware as Operation Captura returns

News Release
21 February 2011

UK crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers and the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) are once again closing in on Britain's most wanted who are believed to be on the run in Spain.

Ten new appeals, which include some of the UK's most dangerous individuals, have been revealed today in Alicante, an area with a large British ex-patriate community and a potential hideout for fugitives on the run from British law enforcement.

Of the ten, one of the individuals has links to Kent.  Everardus WIJTVLIET, born 25/04/1971 in the Netherlands is accused of organising the importation of controlled substances into the UK.  In 2009 under WIJTVLIET’S instruction, a lorry was driven through Dover docks; within which was concealed, 100kg of a powder containing heroin and 6kg of a powder containing cocaine.  The lorry driver was arrested and charged with importing heroin and cocaine, with the case pending at Canterbury Crown Court.  Metal objects have been found at WIJTVLIET’S residence in the Netherlands – very similar to those which concealed the drugs found at Dover.
              
Operation Captura is the successful multi-agency campaign which identifies individuals on the run in Spain who are wanted by UK law enforcement agencies for serious crimes committed in the UK. Since the campaign launched in October 2006, there have been 50 appeals; 38 of whom have been arrested. Many of these are now serving lengthy prison sentences for their crimes which range from drug trafficking to sex crimes to murder.

Dave Cording, Director of Operations at Crimestoppers, said: “The public is one of the greatest weapons in the fight against crime, and once again we are asking the public to help track down most wanted individuals who are sought in connection with some violent, sexual and highly organised crimes. We’ve continually had an overwhelming response to this campaign, resulting in over 500 pieces of useful information on the fugitives sought. You can view all the appeals on the most wanted section of Crimestoppers’ website and if you know anything about the individuals please contact Crimestoppers. No one will ever know you who you are and you will not go to court. Contact us on 0800 555 111 or through our website crimestoppers-uk.org”

Ken Gallagher, Head of European Operations for SOCA, said: “Operation Captura is helping make the ex-pat community in Spain an uncomfortable place for fugitives. Having the public's attention focussed on these individuals goes a long way to making it harder for them to hide and should act as a warning that Spain is no safe haven for British criminals."

Crimestoppers and SOCA work closely with the British Embassy in Madrid and British and Spanish law enforcement agencies. The campaign highlights appeals for information on individuals facing prosecution in the UK who have European Arrest Warrants issued against them. Information given to Crimestoppers anonymously can help locate these criminals so that arrests can be carried out by Spanish law enforcement.

Calls to the Spanish 900 555 111 telephone number are answered in the UK by Crimestoppers’ call agents and a translation service is available upon request. People can also pass on information anonymously via the online Giving Information form on Crimestoppers’ website www.crimestoppers-uk.org . Those in the UK should call 0800 555 111 or visit the website.

Written by: Crimestoppers