Former Brookside actor among 12 most wanted fugitives believed to be in Spain

A former actor from the television soap Brookside is among 12 of the UK’s most wanted individuals believed to be hiding in Spain. Philip Foster, who played the character Christian Wright in the Liverpool-based programme, is sought by authorities alongside a man from Warrington and several other suspects.

Foster was identified as a key figure in a modelling agency fraud worth £13.6 million that exploited thousands of aspiring models. He was sentenced in his absence at Sheffield Crown Court in March last year to eight and a half years in prison for conspiracy to defraud. At the time of his sentencing, his address was given as Edificio Marina Mariola in Marbella, Spain.

The National Crime Agency (NCA), in partnership with the Guardia Civil and Crimestoppers, launched a fresh appeal in Alicante on Thursday. This latest “rogues gallery” is part of Operation Captura, a long-running campaign that has successfully located 98 out of 111 previously named fugitives over the last 20 years.

NCA Deputy Director of International, Rick Jones, warned that these individuals often attempt to blend into large British expatriate communities. He stated that these are not the kind of people residents would want in their neighbourhood, noting that fugitives frequently continue to offend and may use false passports or even surgery to change their appearance.

The list of 12 includes several individuals with specific links to Spanish regions. Alexsandr Vladimirovich Kuksov, 23, was last known to be in Tenerife and is accused of money laundering. Kevin Thomas Parle, 45, is wanted for two murders in Liverpool and has links to Malaga and the Costa Blanca. Other wanted individuals include John Rocks, who is sought for sexual offences and has been seen in Torrevieja, and Simon Dutton, wanted for drug importation.

Authorities are urging holidaymakers and expatriates to study the list. Anyone with information is advised not to approach the suspects but to contact Crimestoppers anonymously. In the UK, the number is 0800 555 111, and in Spain, the number is 900 926 111 or see the National Crime Agency website .