International Most Wanted fugitive Mark Francis Roberts arrested in Malaga

One of the UK’s Most Wanted fugitives, Mark Francis Roberts from Liverpool, has been arrested in Spain after spending nearly seven years on the run. 

He is the eighth fugitive to be arrested from the Most Wanted campaign, run by the NCA, Spanish law enforcement and Crimestoppers, which targeted fugitives with links to Spain and the Canary Islands. Whilst the majority have now been caught, six men remain on the run.

Roberts, who is 29 years old, was arrested on Wednesday 10 May during the night in Estepona, Malaga. He was discovered in southern Spain during surveillance and was identified and arrested by Guardia Civil officers. 

He was wanted by Merseyside Police in connection with a 2016 grevious bodily harm offence and the attempted robbery of a man’s £60,000 Richard Mille watch. 

The victim was attacked by two men with a blade after he parked his car on his home driveway. He refused to surrender his watch and suffered life-threatening injuries. He was treated in intensive care for puncture wounds, a collapsed lung and many lacerations.

“I am delighted that another fugitive has finally been caught and will no longer be able to avoid justice. Our Most Wanted campaign with the NCA – supported by the excellent work of Spanish law enforcement – has been an incredible success.

“Should you know the whereabouts of any other Most Wanted fugitives, please contact the charity Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555 111 or fill out an online form on our website. You’ll stay 100% anonymous. Always.”

Lord Ashcroft, founder and chair of Crimestoppers