A BRITISH paedophile who abused children in his family over a 44-year period has been arrested in Albox (Almería province) after being on the run for an undetermined length of time.
In a joint operation between the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Spanish National Police, the accused was traced to the south-east coast and arrested near his home in the town.
He is said to have sexually assaulted siblings, cousins and siblings’ children, when they were aged between five and 16.
The earliest-known case dates back to 1956, and the most recent, after which he was convicted, to the year 2000.
Although British criminals believe they will be safe on Spain’s Costas after fleeing justice, blending in among the other expats, the reality is very different: police in the two countries are closely linked and have systems in place that mean arrest is almost inevitable.
Operation Capture, launched in 2007 as a combined effort between the NCA, Spanish police forces and Crimestoppers, releases pictures of 10 British fugitives at a time twice-yearly and engages tourists’ and expats’ help in tracing them.
Over 80% of those attempting to hide out in Spain have been caught and extradited.
