in-cyprus 8 December 2023
The UK has unveiled a most-wanted list featuring nine individuals suspected of crimes such as drug dealing and rape and believed to be in hiding in Cyprus.
Crimestoppers, in collaboration with officers from the UK’s Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca) and Cypriot authorities, has compiled the list. Among the suspects is 50-year-old Martin Evans from Swansea, wanted for drug dealing, theft, and fraudulent trading.
Evans orchestrated a drug-dealing network from 1999 to 2001, smuggling narcotics into Britain and laundering the proceeds by converting cash into foreign currencies, subsequently using it in the Netherlands to procure more drugs. Additionally, he is wanted for embezzling substantial amounts from investments tied to a company he managed, Ostrich Centre Ltd. After being released on license in 2011, Evans absconded.
Crimestoppers founder, Lord Ashcroft, expressed optimism, stating, “My hope is that we shall see success in bringing some of the fugitives to justice.
“While these suspected criminals will see Cyprus as a safe place to evade law enforcement, my belief is that with the help of the local public and expatriate community, these individuals will not be able to escape justice for much longer.”
The initiative, named Operation Zygos, focuses on apprehending criminals residing in the Republic of Cyprus-controlled areas and the occupied north.
(With information from the Herald Scotland)
