Fugitive David Ungi is set to be extradited back to the UK after his arrest in Spain.
The 30-year-old was being sought for his suspected role in the murder of 18-year-old Vinny Waddington in Liverpool in 2015. The teenager was hit with a single shotgun blast on Banks Road, Garston, as he rode pillion on a scrambler bike.
He was arrested on Thursday, May 6, along with three other men as he entered a gym at a shopping centre in Coin, Malaga, as part of a joint operation involving the Spanish authorities, the National Crime Agency, Merseyside Police and the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit.
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Ungi is the third most wanted target to be captured this week. Extradition proceedings are now underway after he appeared at court in Malaga on Friday and was remanded in custody.
Ungi left the UK less than 24 hours after Vinny Waddington was killed in 2015. Vinny was shot at through a car window and rammed off his motorbike on Banks Road in Garston.
Two men were convicted of the 18 year-old’s murder in 2016, but the third suspect wanted by Merseyside Police, Ungi, was still on the run. The 30-year-old also wanted in connection with the supply of heroin in the Liverpool area.
Steve Reynolds, National Crime Agency regional manager in Spain, said: “Three of the UK’s most wanted fugitives being arrested in a week is a fantastic achievement. Ungi is a very dangerous person and his arrest is good news for communities both in Liverpool and Spain.
“These arrests would not have been possible without close cooperation between police forces in the UK and our law enforcement colleagues in Spain and Portugal. There are still a number of fugitives on our most wanted list, and they should know we will never give up and we’re never far behind them.”
Detective Chief Inspector Cath Cummings said: “Merseyside Police remains relentless in its pursuit of criminals and will leave no stone unturned. We will continue to work closely with other law enforcement agencies, both in the UK, and overseas to trace those wanted
Anyone with information about a fugitive on the NCA’s most wanted list is urged to call the charity CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Alternatively, members of the public can fill out an anonymous online form via their website.
