Hasan Akarcay, Martin Evans, Paul Lockwood, Timur Mehmet, Costas Sampson and Mehmet Salih, six of nine criminals on the ‘most wanted’ list Photo: SOCA/PA Wire
Details of nine “most wanted” criminals suspected of offences including rape and drug dealing who are thought to be hiding in Cyprus have been published.
Crimestoppers launched the list which was compiled with the UK’s Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca) and Cypriot authorities.
It includes Paul Lockwood, 41, who is sought by Greater Manchester Police for allegedly raping a child and Costas Sampson, 21, accused of raping a woman in Ruislip, Middlesex.
Wayne Smith and Julie Anne Skelding are among the nine criminals suspected of offences including rape and drug dealing Credit: SOCA/PA Wire
Wayne Smith, 38, who is wanted by West Midlands Police for his role in a horrific road accident that killed a 22-year-old man is also named.
Martin Evans, 50, from Swansea, who is wanted for drug dealing, theft and fraudulent trading Credit: SOCA/PA Wire
The list includes details of suspects accused of drug dealing and fraud, including Martin Evans, 50, from Swansea, who ran a drug-dealing gang between 1999 and 2001, and Martin John Power, 46, who is sought by the Metropolitan Police for his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to defraud mortgage lenders.
Martin John Power is sought by the Metropolitan Police for his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to defraud mortgage lenders Credit: SOCA/PA Wire
Lord Ashcroft, the Founder of Crimestoppers said more wanted fugitives need to be brought to justice.
My hope is that we shall see more success in bringing some of the UK’s most wanted fugitives to justice.
“While these suspected criminals will see Cyprus as a safe place to evade law enforcement, my belief is that with the help of the local public and expatriate community, these individuals will not be able to escape justice for much longer.
– Lord Ashcroft, Crimestoppers Founder
The scheme, called Operation Zygos, targets criminals who could be in the Republic of Cyprus or Turkish-controlled Northern Cyprus.
Cyprus has been split between Greek and Turkish Cypriots for nearly three decades; the latter has no extradition treaty with the UK Credit: REUTERS/Yannis Behrakis
Local police are encouraging anyone with information to come forward regardless of which part of the island the suspect is in:
Fugitives hiding overseas typically remain part of the criminal world, continuing to bring harm to communities locally and beyond. Soca and our partners are determined to ensure life on the run is intolerable for them, and that they are returned to face justice in the UK.
– Deputy director of Soca Martin Molloy
People with information calling from Cyprus can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 8000 55 11, or at www.crimestoppers.org.cy.
Those calling from the UK can use 0800 555111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
Details of the remaining eight suspects are due to be released today at a news conference in Nicosia.
In the UK, Crimestoppers founder Lord Ashcroft said: “My hope is that we shall see more success in bringing some of the UK’s most wanted fugitives to justice.
“While these suspected criminals will see Cyprus as a safe place to evade law enforcement, my belief is that with the help of the local public and expatriate community these individuals will not be able to escape justice for much longer.”
The scheme, called Operation Zygos, targets criminals who could be in the Republic of Cyprus or the breakaway Turkish-controlled north of the island.
Anyone with information is encouraged to come forward regardless of which part of the island the suspect is in.
Soca deputy director Martin Molloy said: “Fugitives hiding overseas typically remain part of the criminal world, continuing to bring harm to communities locally and beyond.
“Soca and our partners are determined to ensure life on the run is intolerable for them and that they are returned to face justice in the UK.”
People with information calling from Cyprus can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 8000 55 11, or via www.crimestoppers.org.cy.
Those calling from the UK can use 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
Crimestoppers has run similar schemes, including in Spain, where Operation Captura, launched in October 2006, led to 49 out of 65 suspects being arrested
