A Scottish man listed among the UK’s most wanted fugitives has been arrested in Spain over allegations of multiple sexual assaults spanning a decade, BBC reported.John Rocks, 37, was detained in Madrid on Saturday by Spain’s National Police. He is wanted by Scotland police in connection with alleged sexual offences said to have taken place between 2012 and 2022.Investigators said Rocks had been living a nomadic lifestyle and moving between locations to avoid detection. Although enquiries initially focused on Benidorm, intelligence later suggested he was in the Spanish capital.Police launched a surveillance operation in central Madrid, where officers spotted Rocks wearing a cap and sunglasses, which authorities believe he used in an attempt to disguise himself.According to Spanish police, Rocks provided different personal details after his arrest and refused to cooperate while officers worked to confirm his identity. Investigators first recognised him through his tattoos before fingerprint checks established he was the fugitive sought by UK authorities.Rocks later appeared before a court in Madrid and remains in custody while Spanish authorities consider a request for his extradition to the UK.
Arrest linked to Operation Captura
The arrest forms part of Operation Captura, a joint initiative involving the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), Crimestoppers and Spanish law enforcement that targets fugitives believed to be hiding in Spain.Rick Jones, the NCA’s international director, said the detention marked another milestone for the long-running operation.“This arrest marks the 101st arrest in Operation Captura, a multi-agency campaign aimed at tracking down the UK’s most wanted individuals in Spain.”He added: “I pay tribute to the excellent work of our colleagues in the Spanish National Police who made this possible. Working with them, and other law enforcement partners, we are determined to do all we can to ensure fugitives are returned to face the courts.”Authorities have not announced when extradition proceedings are expected to conclude.
