A shocking video has captured the moment a British national was arrested by authorities in Spain after evading capture for 17 months.
William Hunter, aged 34, fatally stabbed his roommate in Portugal’s Algarve in 2022 before fleeing, triggering an extensive manhunt. Following collaborative efforts led by the National Crime Agency (NCA), he was apprehended in the popular tourist spot.
Last week, officers from the Guardia Civil made the arrest in Alicante. The Portuguese authorities will now pursue extradition to serve a 16-year sentence for the murder of Elliot Mulligan, a 22-year-old, in an Albufeira apartment in April 2022.
Law enforcement agencies exchanged intelligence and information to locate Hunter, with the NCA’s international liaison officers playing a pivotal role in coordinating the search.
The NCA, Guardia Civil’s fugitive team, Portuguese Judicial Police, and Merseyside Police collaborated for months to facilitate the arrest. Throughout this process, Elliot Mulligan’s family received ongoing support from the UK police.
In May 2023, William was convicted of murder but appealed the Portuguese court’s decision. Released on bail in April 2024 pending the appeal outcome, he breached his bail conditions and absconded, leading to a large-scale multi-agency manhunt that culminated in his arrest. William is currently in custody in Spain as extradition procedures progress.
Gill Duggan, NCA Head of Europe, expressed empathy for Elliot’s family and highlighted the relentless pursuit of Hunter to deliver justice for the victim’s loved ones.
Merseyside Police Detective Superintendent Mark Drew commended the joint effort that led to Hunter’s arrest, emphasizing the commitment to capturing fugitives and ensuring justice prevails. He reiterated ongoing support for Elliot’s family and hoped the arrest would offer them some solace.
Merseyside Police reaffirmed their commitment to international collaboration in law enforcement, underscoring the importance of cross-border intelligence exchange in apprehending fugitives on a daily basis.
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