UK Police Launch Operation Sunfire to Hunt 17 Foreign Fugitives
Police have issued an urgent nationwide appeal for help tracking down 17 suspected "dangerous" criminals who are believed to be hiding in the UK after committing severe crimes abroad. The list, made public by Scotland Yard, includes suspected murderers, rapists, and child sex traffickers, all of whom are men wanted by European authorities.
Operation Sunfire Mirrors Successful Predecessor
Dubbed Operation Sunfire, this initiative mirrors the successful Operation Captura, which around 16 months ago focused public attention on the most wanted British criminals, mainly hiding in Spain. Detective Sergeant Rance stated, "The Met is committed to arresting dangerous criminals - whether they are British or foreign nationals." The vast majority of the suspects have links to London, but the appeal is being made nationwide as their exact whereabouts remain unknown.
The 'Most Wanted' List in Detail
Below is the full list of individuals sought in Operation Sunfire, detailing their alleged crimes and potential UK locations:
- Rouf Uddin, 39: Wanted by Belgian authorities for the murder of Malika Soussi in 2002. He is a Bangladeshi national who may be in the UK and uses aliases including Salm Abdus and Abdus Salam.
- Alexandru Cucu, 27: A Romanian national wanted for attempted murder after beating a security guard in 2011. He has links to Enfield and is due to serve four years and six months imprisonment.
- Janusz Kedziora, 28: Wanted by Polish authorities for violent robberies and other offences, with a 10-year sentence. He may be living on the streets in Newham or Waltham Forest.
- Balint Budi, 25: Sought by Romanian authorities for human trafficking involving girls aged 12 to 17. He has previous links to Brent.
- Krzysztof Malkowski, 39: A Polish national wanted for grievous bodily harm, with a 19-month sentence. He may be in Croydon or Lambeth.
- Mantas Jurgsat, 25: Wanted by Lithuanian authorities for grievous bodily harm and assaulting a police officer. He has connections to Barking and Dagenham and Peterborough.
- Patryk Kokoryk, 33: Sought by Polish authorities for assault, with an eight-month sentence. He has links to Brent, Ealing, and Harrow.
- Jan Hiszpanski, 36: A Polish national wanted for robbery, with a sentence of over two years. He may be in London but moves frequently.
- Silviu-Bogdan Bruzlea, 27: Wanted by Romanian authorities for murder, sentenced to 20 years. He has links to Hackney and Haringey.
- Mariusz Kuliga, 21: Sought by Polish authorities for armed robberies with a replica gun. He has known links to Barking and Dagenham, Newham, and Essex.
- Michal Ochecki, 29: Wanted by Polish authorities for robbery and assault, with a sentence of over two years. He may be in Croydon or Lambeth.
- Roland Ostvalds, 24: A Latvian national wanted in connection with rape. He has links to Redbridge, Havering, Newham, and Tower Hamlets.
- Octavian Medeleanu, 52: Sought by Romanian authorities for people trafficking and sexual exploitation. He has been linked to Barking and Dagenham, Newham, and Haringey.
- Tomasz Naumowicz, 33: A Polish national wanted for violent rape, with a five-year sentence. He has previous links to Hounslow and Richmond.
- Tomasz Pieta, 31: Wanted by Polish authorities for robbery and assault, with a sentence of over three years. He is thought to be in west London, particularly Wembley.
- Abri Bucpapaj, 35: An Albanian national wanted by Finnish authorities for rape, assault, and threats to kill. He may be in Harrow, Barnet, or Brent.
- Algimantas Ringaila, 34: A Lithuanian national wanted for organised crime, including drug and gun trafficking. He is believed to have connections to Tower Hamlets and Luton.
Public Urged to Assist in Manhunt
Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to the arrest of these individuals. The crimes range from murder and rape to human trafficking and organised crime, highlighting the severe threats these fugitives pose. With many suspects having ties to specific London boroughs and other UK areas, police hope that local knowledge will aid in their capture and extradition to face justice in their home countries.
