Third most wanted fugitive arrested in a week
9 May 2022 03:25 PM
A Liverpool fugitive wanted for murder who was on the National Crime Agency’s most wanted list has been arrested in Spain.
David Ungi
David Ungi, aged 30, was being sought for his suspected role in the murder of 18-year-old Vinny Waddington in Liverpool in 2015.
He was apprehended on Thursday night along with three other men as he entered a gym at a shopping centre in Coin, Malaga, as part of a joint operation involving the Spanish authorities, the National Crime Agency, Merseyside Police and the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit.
Officers seized a 9mm Ruger firearm and ammunition from a rucksack.
Ungi is the third most wanted target captured in the last week – alleged murderer Callum Halpin was caught in Portugal Monday (02 May 2022), and Alex Male, wanted on drugs charges, was arrested at Lisbon airport on Saturday (07 May 2022).
Extradition proceedings are underway after he appeared at court in Malaga yesterday and was remanded in custody.
Ungi left the UK less than 24 hours after Vinny Waddington was killed in 2015.
Vinny was shot at through a car window and rammed off his motorbike on Banks Road in Garston.
Two men were convicted of the 18 year-old’s murder in 2016, but the third suspect wanted by Merseyside Police, Ungi, was still on the run.
Ungi is also wanted in connection with the supply of heroin in the Liverpool area.
Steve Reynolds, National Crime Agency regional manager in Spain, recently said:
“Three of the UK’s most wanted fugitives being arrested in a week is a fantastic achievement.
“Ungi is a very dangerous person and his arrest is good news for communities both in Liverpool and Spain.
“These arrests would not have been possible without close cooperation between police forces in the UK and our law enforcement colleagues in Spain and Portugal.
“There are still a number of fugitives on our most wanted list, and they should know we will never give up and we’re never far behind them.”
Detective Chief Inspector Cath Cummings recently said:
“Merseyside Police remains relentless in its pursuit of criminals and will leave no stone unturned.
“We will continue to work closely with other law enforcement agencies, both in the UK, and overseas to trace those wanted for carrying out the most serious offences and bring them to justice.”
Lord Ashcroft, founder and chair of the charity Crimestoppers, recently said:
“Having this fugitive caught within days of two others is fantastic news and shows that the public, like us, want to protect our communities. It also proves how our joint Most Wanted campaign with the NCA to highlight those who are on the run is working successfully.
“If you know of someone who is on our list, please do the right thing and contact our charity either on the phone or online via our website. You’ll stay 100% anonymous. Always.”
Anyone with information about a fugitive on the NCA’s most wanted list is urged to call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Alternatively, members of the public can fill out an anonymous online form via their website.