The fugitive, who was on the UK’s “most wanted” list, was tracked down and arrested in Spain in connection with the murder of a teenager in Liverpool seven years ago.
David Ungi, 30, was arrested along with three other men at a shopping center in the city of Coin in Malaga on Thursday, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said.
He is the third “most wanted” target arrested in a week after Callum Halpin, who is accused of murder, was located in Portugal and Alex Male, wanted on drug charges, was detained at Lisbon airport.
Ungi was wanted in connection with the shooting of 18-year-old Winnie Waddington in July 2015, after leaving the country less than 24 hours after his death.
Mr Waddington was shot through a car window and hit his motorcycle in the Garston area on the banks of the River Mercy.
Officers involved in Ungi’s arrest – a joint operation between British and Spanish forces – also seized 9mm Ruger firearms and ammunition from a backpack.
Ungi was also wanted in connection with the supply of heroin in the Liverpool area, the NCA reported.
Steve Reynolds, NCA’s regional manager in Spain, said: “The arrest of three of the UK’s most wanted fugitives in one week is a fantastic achievement.
“These arrests would not have been possible without close cooperation between the police forces in the United Kingdom and our law enforcement colleagues in Spain and Portugal.
“There are still a number of fugitives on our list of most wanted, and they need to know that we will never give up and we are never far behind.”
Image: Alex Male and Callum Halpin (below) were arrested in Portugal
Ungi appeared in court in Malaga on Friday and was remanded in custody pending extradition proceedings.
Two men were convicted of killing Mr Waddington in 2016.
Lord Ashcroft, founder and chairman of the charity Crimestoppers, said the arrest proved that the NCA’s campaign, which highlights those fleeing, was working.
“If you know someone on our list, please do the right thing and contact our charity by phone or online through our website,” he said. “You will remain 100% anonymous. Always.”
The joint investigation was conducted by the Spanish authorities, the NCA, the Merseyside Police and the Northwest Regional Organized Crime Unit.
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