A fugitive who was on the UK’s “most wanted” list has been tracked down and arrested in Spain in connection with the murder of a teenager in Liverpool seven years ago.
David Ungi, 30, was arrested with three other men at a shopping centre in the town of Coin in Malaga on Thursday, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said.
He is the third “most wanted” target arrested in the space of a week, after Callum Halpin, who is accused of murder, was located in Portugal and Alex Male, wanted on drugs charges, was detained at Lisbon airport.
Ungi was wanted in connection with the shooting of 18-year-old Vinny Waddington in July 2015 after leaving the country less than 24 hours after his death.
Mr Waddington was shot through a car window and rammed off his motorbike in the Garston area, which lies on the banks of the River Mersey.
Officers involved in Ungi’s arrest – a joint operation between British and Spanish forces – also seized a 9mm Ruger firearm and ammunition from a rucksack.
Ungi was also wanted in connection with the supply of heroin in the Liverpool area, the NCA said.
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Steve Reynolds, the NCA regional manager in Spain, said: “Three of the UK’s most wanted fugitives being arrested in a week is a fantastic achievement.
“These arrests would not have been possible without close co-operation between police forces in the UK and our law enforcement colleagues in Spain and Portugal.
“There are still a number of fugitives on our most wanted list and they should know we will never give up and we’re never far behind them.”
Ungi appeared in court in Malaga on Friday and has been remanded in custody, with extradition proceedings under way.
Two men were convicted of Mr Waddington’s murder in 2016.
Lord Ashcroft, founder and chair of the charity Crimestoppers, said the arrest proved the NCA’s campaign highlighting those on the run is working successfully.
“If you know of someone who is on our list, please do the right thing and contact our charity either on the phone or online via our website,” he said. “You’ll stay 100% anonymous. Always.”
The joint investigation was carried out by the Spanish authorities, the NCA, Merseyside Police and the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit.
