Spanish cops have caught one of the UK's most wanted men who had been on the run for seven years. Mark Francis Roberts, 29, was finally arrested by Guardia Civil officers on Wednesday, May 10, in Malaga, southern Spain.
He was snared after an intelligence-led operation involving the National Crime Agency, Guardia Civil and Merseyside Police, reports the Liverpool Echo. Roberts, remains in custody in Spain awaiting extradition.
The thug was wanted for an alleged grievous bodily harm and attempted robbery. The charge stemmed from an alleged blade attack at around 1.30am on September, 30, 2016.
A man parked a car in his driveway before two men allegedly attacked him when he refused to surrender his £60,000 Richard Mille watch and he consequently allegedly suffered life-threatening injuries. The man was rushed to hospital and treated for puncture wounds, a collapsed lung and lacerations.
Roberts previously featured in an NCA, independent charity Crimestoppers and Spanish law enforcement 'Most Wanted' campaign, targeting fugitives with links to Spain and the Canary Islands. Fourteen fugitives made up the list and Roberts is the eighth to be arrested, with six men still on the run.
Steve Reynolds, NCA regional manager in Spain, said: “Roberts’ arrest came about after a sustained campaign to trace him and some great work by the Guardia Civil. This is another excellent result and shows once again that UK law enforcement does not give up on finding those who await justice in the UK.
“Working closely with our colleagues at home and abroad, such as our highly valued Spanish partners, we will continue to hunt those on the run.”
Detective Inspector Katie Coote of Merseyside Police said: “I hope this arrest shows that there is no hiding place for anyone who is evading police. Thanks to our ongoing work with National Crime Agency Roberts has been located and is now in police custody.
“These actions with our partners across the UK and beyond are about stopping anyone who could cause fear and harm in our community and we will leave no stone unturned no matter the length of time to find people who are wanted in connection with ongoing investigations or offences.”
Lord Ashcroft, founder and chair of Crimestoppers, said: “I am delighted that another fugitive has finally been caught and will no longer be able to avoid justice. Our Most Wanted campaign with the NCA – supported by the excellent work of Spanish law enforcement – has been an incredible success.
“Should you know the whereabouts of any other Most Wanted fugitives, please contact the charity Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555 111 or fill out an online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org. You’ll stay 100% anonymous. Always.”
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