Dramatic video: UK fugitive arrested in swoop on Spain villa
Andrew Moran, 31, from Salford, Greater Manchester, was arrested in the resort of Calpe in Alicante on Friday, the Serious Organised Crime Agency said.
Extradition proceedings are under way and Moran will be appearing at a court in Madrid today.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdMoran, who has been on the run for over four years, fled the country in 2009 after he vaulted the dock in a Burnley courtroom as he went on trial over a £25,000 armed robbery of Royal Mail guards.
He was convicted in his absence for the cash in transit theft in 2005 in Colne, Lancashire.
Soca said Moran was captured in a dramatic raid at a luxury villa in the Costa Blanca.
An elite team of armed officers swooped on the robber while he was relaxing by a swimming pool.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdSoca’s North-West Regional Organised Crime Unit, also known as Titan, worked alongside the Spanish National Police on the raid.
They recovered two handguns, 60 rounds of ammunition and a machete at the property.
Moran was on the most wanted list for Crimestoppers’ Operation Captura campaign, and his arrest means 50 fugitives have now been caught since it was launched.
Matt Burton, Soca’s Head of Investigations, said: “Moran thought he could evade capture fleeing to Spain, frequently changing his appearance and using false identities.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe said there was no hiding place for partners in crime and other armed robbers, adding: “Soca and its partners have the capability to pursue criminals relentlessly, track them down, and put them behind bars.”