Top UK Fugitive Nabbed in Lisbon After Turkey Turned Him Away
Alex Male, a key player in the UK’s drug underworld, was arrested at Lisbon Airport on Saturday (30 April) after Turkish authorities refused him entry just hours earlier.
From Turkey to Portugal: Fugitive on the Run Finally Caught
Male, from Weston-super-Mare, was stopped by Turkish border police who flagged his documents. He then flew to Portugal, where cops swooped and arrested him.
Male had been on the run since January, when he was added to the National Crime Agency’s Most Wanted list. The South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SW ROCU) caught him initially as part of the high-profile Operation Venetic crackdown.
Drug Dealer, Money Launderer, Firearm Conspirator
- Believed to have peddled Class A drugs across the South West using the encrypted EncroChat platform
- Accused of money laundering and conspiring to buy a firearm
- Previously hiding out in Spain’s Marbella before heading to Portugal
“Any arrest of a fugitive is a fantastic result, even more so since Male had only recently been added to our most wanted list. He is wanted in connection with dangerous crimes, which have a devastating impact on communities.”
Help Police Catch the UK’s Most Wanted
Authorities urge anyone with info on Most Wanted fugitives to call anonymously on 0800 555 111. Every tip counts in taking dangerous criminals off the streets.