Lockdown Dragnet Nails Nearly 300 Fugitives, Including Rapists and Human Traffickers
The UK’s lockdown crackdown has bagged 297 dangerous fugitives, from child sex abusers to human traffickers.
Operation Suricate Cracks Down During Lockdown
Between 8 April and 26 June, the National Crime Agency (NCA) spearheaded a fierce manhunt under Operation Suricate. Despite police resources stretched thin by the pandemic, the NCA’s International Crime Bureau and Extradition Team ramped up intelligence efforts to track down Europe’s most wanted criminals hiding in the UK.
High-Risk Fugitives Brought to Justice
- Arshid Ali Khan, 38 – Wanted in the Netherlands for child sex abuse and death threats. He had dodged capture for six years before being nabbed in Leicester and extradited in June.
- Constantin Adrian Postelnicu, 28 – Romanian national accused by Italy of sexually exploiting adults. Located and arrested in Staffordshire.
- Stephen Bullman, 60 – British rapist wanted in Dublin for a 2001 sex attack. Thought to be in Cumbria, but was found and caught in Chelmsford within 24 hours of police tip-off.
- Jafar Mohammad, 40 – Afghan human trafficking mastermind operating a money exchange to fund people smuggling across Europe. Arrested in west London.
- Assed Koluni, 43 (aka Asad Al Jaban) – Alleged people smuggler seized for Belgian authorities in London.
Results and Reactions
So far, 52 of the fugitives have been extradited. Arthur Whitehead, NCA Operations Manager, said: “We’re very proud of identifying and helping to remove very dangerous offenders from the UK and returning them to face justice.”
Chief Constable Andy Cooke, lead for crime at the National Police Chiefs’ Council, added: “This operation took some of the most dangerous criminals off our streets and proves that even under strain, law enforcement delivers. The message is clear – there is nowhere to hide.”
