Fugitives wanted in Scotland have been arrested in Europe
Three men, aged 23, 31 and 32, have been arrested on unconnected international arrest warrants this week, as Police Scotland’s Fugitive Active Search Team (FAST) continues a relentless pursuit against those who have attempted to flee justice in Scotland.
The fugitives were wanted in Scotland for separate serious crimes and were arrested following close partnership working with colleagues from the National Crime Agency and international partners including An Garda Síochána, Dutch National Police and Spanish National Police with support from the European Network of Fugitive Active Search Teams (ENFAST) in France, Belgium and Poland.
On Monday, 19 June, 2023, a 32-year-old man was arrested in Marbella, Spain in connection with conspiracy to commit murder and serious organised crime offences.
On Thursday, 22 June, 2023, a 23-year-old man was arrested at Bilbao Ferry Port, Spain in connection with a series of aggravated assaults.
Also on Thursday, 22 June, a 31-year-old man was arrested in Amsterdam, The Netherlands in connection with attempted murders.
All three will now be subject to extradition proceedings.
Detective Chief Superintendent Vicky Watson, with overall responsibility for Police Scotland FAST and Extradition Unit, said: “The people of Scotland can be reassured that Police Scotland continues to deploy all available investigative resources and intelligence techniques to track down fugitives who have fled Scotland.
“There is no doubt that communities in Scotland, and Europe, are safer places due to the efforts of our team and their partners.
“This operation underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.”
