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Scottish Man on UK's Most Wanted List Arrested in Spain After Two-Year Investigation

A Scottish man on the UK's most wanted list has been arrested in Madrid following a two-year investigation by Spanish authorities.

Asude Karataş • 5 Ağustos 2026 20:36 • 3 dk okuma • 6 görüntülenme

A Scottish man who appeared on the UK's most wanted list in connection with multiple sexual assaults has been arrested in Madrid after a two-year investigation by Spanish National Police. The arrest marks the 101st success under Operation Captura, a coordinated campaign between British and Spanish law enforcement to apprehend wanted fugitives.

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The Arrest
Operation Captura's Success

The Arrest

John Rocks, 37, was detained in central Madrid on Saturday following an extensive surveillance operation. Police initially investigated his possible whereabouts in Benidorm before tracking his movements to the Spanish capital. During his arrest, Rocks wore a cap and sunglasses in an apparent attempt to conceal his identity and provided false personal details to officers.

Spanish authorities identified him through his tattoos before fingerprint verification confirmed he was the man sought by Police Scotland in connection with alleged offences between 2012 and 2022. Rocks had been living a nomadic lifestyle, regularly moving between locations to evade detection. He was remanded in custody following a court appearance in Madrid and now awaits a decision on extradition to the United Kingdom.

Operation Captura's Success

Rick Jones, international director of the National Crime Agency, stated that the arrest underscored the value of international cooperation in pursuing serious offenders. He acknowledged the Spanish National Police's role in executing the operation and emphasized the commitment of UK law enforcement to ensure fugitives face justice in British courts. Operation Captura has now resulted in 101 arrests since its inception as a partnership between British and Spanish authorities.

Who is John Rocks?+

John Rocks is a 37-year-old Scottish man wanted in connection with multiple sexual assaults alleged to have occurred between 2012 and 2022. He appeared on both the National Crime Agency and Crimestoppers' most wanted lists before his arrest in Spain.

How long was the investigation into Rocks?+

The investigation lasted two years. Spanish police began pursuing Rocks after being alerted that he was in Spain, leading to extensive surveillance operations that eventually located him in Madrid.

What is Operation Captura?+

Operation Captura is a multi-agency campaign run jointly by UK and Spanish law enforcement to track down and apprehend British fugitives wanted for serious crimes. The operation has resulted in 101 arrests to date, with Rocks' capture being the latest success.

Where was Rocks arrested?+

Rocks was arrested in Madrid on a central street during a surveillance operation. Spanish National Police initially searched for him in Benidorm before intelligence indicated he had moved to the capital city.

What happens next in the legal process?+

Rocks appeared before a Madrid court and remains in custody pending a decision on his extradition to the United Kingdom. Once extradited, he will face the British courts in connection with the sexual assault allegations.

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