A high-profile fugitive sought by authorities in the United Kingdom was arrested in Estepona, on the Costa del Sol, in a joint operation conducted by the Civil Guard with support from the National Crime Agency of Britain and Merseyside Police. The suspect, Mark Francis Roberts, a 29-year-old man from Liverpool, had been on the run for nearly seven years. He was linked to a serious incident in which a man was injured during an attempt to steal a Richard Mille watch valued at approximately €67,500.
The incident occurred in the early hours of September 30, 2016. The victim was walking home when two assailants stopped him. He refused to surrender the watch and endured several stab wounds, the most severe affecting a lung. During the attack the victim heard one attacker say that he had injured himself. Investigators later recovered evidence at the scene, including blood, which enabled investigators to compare DNA samples with those of the suspect, strengthening the case against him.
A photograph of the suspect was circulated as part of ongoing police efforts to locate him. The public appeal through Crimestoppers highlighted the potential danger posed by individuals on the run, noting that fugitives can sometimes conceal themselves in tourist hubs. Estepona and the broader Costa del Sol have long been home to a steady stream of visitors and residents from the United Kingdom, making law enforcement efforts more challenging but also more essential.
During a routine surveillance operation last week, officers identified Roberts and moved decisively to detain him, initiating formal proceedings to advance the case. The arrest underscores the continued collaboration between UK agencies and Spanish authorities in matters of cross-border crime and the pursuit of fugitives who threaten public safety. In the wake of the arrest, authorities stressed their commitment to pursuing justice and ensuring that those responsible for violent crimes face the consequences of their actions.
Roberts has previously appeared on public crime alerts and risk assessments designed to inform communities and deter criminal activity. The case illustrates how international cooperation and community tips can play a crucial role in tracking down individuals who evade capture for extended periods. The investigation continues as prosecutors prepare the case for trial, supported by forensic analysis, witness statements, and surveillance records gathered during the investigation.