Spencer Dillon Lamb, 33, a fugitive on Britain's most wanted list, was arrested by Belgian police in a rental property in Brecht, Belgium. Officers discovered a haul of drugs and a gun during the raid, which was supported by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Derbyshire Police.
Background and Capture
Lamb was previously thought to have links to Spain's Costa del Crime but managed to sneak across Europe undetected. After extensive research, the arrest was carried out by the Fugitives Active Search Team Belgium in cooperation with the local police, Voorkempen. He is wanted in Derbyshire for drug offences allegedly committed between May 2020 and May 2021.
Operation Captura Milestone
Lamb is the 100th fugitive captured since the start of Operation Captura, a multi-agency campaign run in conjunction with the independent charity Crimestoppers, aimed at tracking down the UK's most wanted individuals. Ten others remain outstanding.
NCA Director General Operations Rob Jones said: “The arrest of the 100th fugitive is a landmark success for the NCA and our partners, and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to tracking down those wanted by UK law enforcement. My message to the remaining names on our list is that we will not stop looking for you, and you can never rest easy, wherever you are.”
Reactions from Officials
Lord Ashcroft, founder and chair of Crimestoppers, said: “Reaching 100 arrests is a major milestone for Op Captura and I'm delighted at the campaign's continued success. With the public's help, and as we mark Operation Captura's 20th anniversary, I'd like to thank our partners at the NCA and police in Belgium. This result is a testament to their determination. Remember: if you know the whereabouts of any of the remaining 10 fugitives, please speak up anonymously via our charity. There's no comeback and your information could help make all the difference in keeping communities safe.”
Rachael Blood, from Derbyshire Constabulary’s International Liaison Office, said: “Lamb was wanted for a number of serious offences dating back several years. His capture should serve as a warning to other offenders that just because you leave the country – doesn’t mean you will evade justice. All police forces in the UK and overseas are in regular communication, we share information and work closely together in order to bring offenders to justice.”
Extradition and Next Steps
Lamb remains in custody in Belgium where extradition proceedings to have him returned to the UK will begin. The NCA’s Most Wanted campaign is run in conjunction with Crimestoppers, the Spanish Ministry of Interior, Spanish law enforcement partners, and UK policing. Spain is one of the most popular countries for British ex-pats, and the two nations continue to have a very strong law enforcement partnership.
Anyone with information about one of the Most Wanted is urged to call Crimestoppers anonymously in the UK on 0800 555 111, and callers in Spain should call the freephone Spanish number 900 926 111, which will be answered by Crimestoppers in the UK. Alternatively, members of the public can fill out an anonymous online form at the charity’s website.
