UK crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers, the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) and Cyprus Police (CYPOL) are today launching a new campaign to hunt some of the UK’s most wanted fugitives believed to be hiding in Cyprus. [5 September 2012]

Full details of the nine subjects are available for publication from 10.00am UK time.
 
Martin Evans, 50, from Swansea, is wanted in for offences that include conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, notably cocaine, MDMA and Ecstasy, fraudulent trading and a number of offences of theft.

Evans was convicted of leading an organised crime group supplying Class A drugs in the UK between 1999 and 2001. He set up a system whereby drugs were imported to the UK and sold, with the proceeds being converted into foreign currency and transported to the Netherlands for drug purchases.

Evans is also wanted for Fraudulent Trading as director of an incorporated company, called Ostrich Centre Limited, in 1995. The company received investments from the public totaling several hundred thousand pounds, which Evans was found to have stolen. He absconded from prison while on licence in 2011.

The multi-agency campaign identifies serious criminals on the run wanted by UK law enforcement agencies for crimes committed in the UK. This campaign follows on from similar appeals in Spain and The Netherlands, which together have resulted in dozens of wanted fugitives being brought to justice.

Crimestoppers and SOCA will be working closely with the High Commission in Cyprus and with British and Cyprus law enforcement agencies. The campaign highlights appeals for information on criminals who have European arrest warrants issued against them. Information given to Crimestoppers can help locate these criminals so that arrests can be carried out by the Cyprus police.

Lord Ashcroft, KCMG, Founder and Chair of Crimestoppers, said: “Operation Zygos is an example of the continuing impact Crimestoppers is having abroad in the fight against crime, and 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 ex-patriot community, these individuals will not be able to escape justice for much longer.”

SOCA Deputy Director, Martin Molloy, said: “Operation Zygos builds on SOCA’s close relationship with Cyprus Police, working together to combat criminal threats to the public.

“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.”

For those people calling from Cyprus there is a dedicated Cypriot 8000 55 11 telephone number, which will be answered in the UK by Crimestoppers’ call agents and a translation service is available upon request. The website www.crimestoppers.org.cy has also been set up for those wishing to pass information anonymously online. People from the UK can also pass on information anonymously via the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111 or via the secure online giving information form.

ENDS

For further information please contact the Crimestoppers Press Office on 0208 835 3737/3726 or email giselle.lares@crimestoppers-uk.org or heather.broughton@crimestoppers-uk.org.