Midsummer Manhunt

MIDSUMMER MANHUNT
CRIMESTOPPERS ANNOUNCES ITS SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL FUGITIVE ROUND-UP AND ARREST “OPERATION - I.N.F.R.A”

The UK charity Crimestoppers, in partnership with Crime Stoppers International (CSI), announces its collaboration in the first ever worldwide hunt for fugitives.

Crimestoppers UK, a member of the CSI worldwide network, announces its full support for International Fugitive Round Up and Arrest (INFRA) operation. This new initiative will help capture dangerous fugitives who have left their country of origin and are believed to be residing abroad.

Working in partnership with the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) and the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), Crimestoppers UK wants information on 17 fugitives wanted for a range of serious crimes. These include criminals from several different countries including: Poland, Georgia, Albania and Hungary.

These individuals, who are featured on Crimestoppers UK's Most Wanted, are wanted for crimes committed in other countries but are now believed to be in, or have connections to, the UK. INFRA is targeting violent offenders, sex offenders and gang related crimes.

These individuals are considered to be dangerous and some may have access to arms. Do not attempt to apprehend any of these fugitives yourself. Pass on any information to 0800 555 111 or via the secure online Giving Information Form. Both routes are anonymous.

Lord Ashcroft, KCMG, founder and Chair of Crimestoppers says: “The initiative is well and truly an international one. Fugitives hide across the globe in all communities large and small. When you look at the criminals that are on the most wanted list they are truly horrible people and they need to be caught.

“The international campaign “Operation INFRA" supports a positive and proactive stance toward fugitive capture. Reporting the whereabouts of fugitives makes a difference in fighting crime which undermines democracy and the safety within our communities.”

Dave Cording, Crimestoppers' Director of Operations added: “Crimestoppers has enjoyed notable success in helping UK law enforcement track down UK fugitives hiding in Spain, so we are confident that the public will yet again help us to locate this new set of internationally wanted criminals.”

David Armond, Director of International at SOCA, gave the agency's endorsement for Operation INFRA: "Crimestoppers has been a major success, shrinking the globe and depriving criminals of places to hide. SOCA places great value on our collaboration and we are fully behind this new fugitives initiative. I look forward to seeing Crimestoppers' success reaching even further."

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Download the Operation Infra press pack:

Background information on Operation Infra

What is Most Wanted? the online tool to help law enforcement fight crime is explained

21 hot facts about Crimestoppers

Further information contact

For more information contact Crimestoppers' press office.

Notes to editors

• All the appeals for Operation INFRA from around the globe can be viewed on www.c-s-i.org
• Crimestoppers is an independent charity which helps the police to solve crimes, making communities safer. It does this by operating the 24/7 telephone number 0800 555 111 which people can ring to pass on information about crimes anonymously. They can also use our ‘giving information' form via our website www.crimestoppers-uk.org
• Around 19 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers. One person every four days is charged with murder.
• Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, it has received over a million actionable calls, resulting in over 91,000 arrests and charges. Over £167 million worth of property has been recovered and over £160 million worth of drugs.
• In 2006, Crimestoppers launched the UK's Most Wanted on its website which allows the public to view images of criminals and pass on vital information about their whereabouts. It has been highly successful with over 500 arrests to date from 2.5 thousand appeals posted.
• Crimestoppers UK was founded by Lord Ashcroft, KCMG, Chairman of Trustees. In 1988, he launched Crimestoppers in the Metropolitan Police area. Crimestoppers ‘call to action' is built on a three-way partnership between the business community, the police and the media.
• In September 2007, Crimestoppers launched a youth website www.shadowcs.co.uk which allows young people to give information anonymously online.
• Crime Stoppers is one the most successful crime fighting organisations in the world.
• Crime Stoppers globally helps to solve a major crime every 14 minutes somewhere in the world
• Crime Stoppers, internationally, assists in the recovery of more than US$700 000 worth of stolen property and narcotics every day
• Crime Stoppers has assisted with the arrest of more than 600 000 criminals
• Crime Stoppers has paid out more than US$100 million in rewards, an average of $63 000 every week since 1976.

The Operation Infra appeals

Go to Most Wanted to see the full Infra appeals.