Second Operation Zygos campaign hunts criminals in Cyprus
11 Apr 2014 02:42 PM
The hunt for some of the UK’s most-wanted
fugitives believed to be hiding in Cyprus continues with a second campaign
launched by the NCA and the UK’s crime-fighting charity
Crimestoppers.
The
second Operation Zygos campaign features six brand new appeals for fugitives,
and the five remaining suspected criminals from the first campaign in 2012. All
are thought to be evading justice in what is one of the most popular countries
for British ex-pats.
Rape, heroin trafficking and the setup of fraudulent
travel agencies defrauding an estimated 20,000 people, by luring customers
attracted by cut-price holidays, are some of the crimes the featured
individuals are wanted for by UK law enforcement agencies.
Other alleged crimes include a horse racing betting scam
and various types of advanced fee fraud connected to the breeding of
racehorses.
Since the original Operation Zygos appeal, four of the
featured individuals have been arrested, the first within just 48hours of the
campaign when a man wanted for sexual offences against a child was located.
Among those caught were Wayne Smith and Julie Skelding who were wanted for
causing death by dangerous driving and perverting the course of
justice.
This campaign highlights the continuing work between
Crimestoppers, the NCA and the Cypriot Police Authorities (CYPOL).
Crimestoppers and the NCA also work closely with the British High Commission in
Nicosia as well as British and Cypriot law enforcement
agencies.
Steve Bennett, the NCA’s Head of European
Operations, said: “This campaign builds on the NCA’s close
relationship with Crimestoppers and the Cypriot authorities, working together
to combat criminal threats to the public.
“Fugitives don’t just give up their criminal
behaviour, they typically remain part of the criminal world, creating harm and
causing damage, sometimes to the new communities they live in. We are
determined to ensure life on the run is intolerable for them and that they are
brought back to face justice.
“The most important thing is the power of this
campaign to harness the eyes and ears of the public, both in Cyprus and the UK.
If you have information on the whereabouts of our targets, no matter how small
or trivial it seems, call Crimestoppers anonymously and let us
know.”
Lord Ashcroft, KCMG PC, Founder and Chair of
Crimestoppers, said: “Following the last Operation Zygos appeal in Cyprus
in 2012, a third of the featured suspects were arrested in just three weeks
following the launch. The results speak for themselves; these outcomes
reiterate the effectiveness of the Crimestoppers model in the UK and overseas
in locating criminals attempting to evade justice.
“Operation Zygos aims to ensure members of the
public in Cyprus are alert to the possible presence on the island of the eleven
wanted individuals. Information given anonymously to Crimestoppers can help
lead to their location and arrest which we are confident will come to pass
following this appeal.”
For
those calling from Cyprus there is a dedicated Cypriot number 8000 55 11 which
will be answered in the UK by Crimestoppers’ call agents. A translation
service is available upon request. People can also pass on information
anonymously via the UK Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111, online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
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