British fugitive on most-wanted list arrested in Spain

A fugitive wanted by police in Scotland over alleged sexual offences committed between 2012 and 2022 has been arrested in Madrid, Sky News understands.

Spanish National Police said John Rocks, 37, was one of the 12 Spain-based fugitives most wanted by the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA).

The investigation began in 2024, with Rocks believed to be in Spain.

In February 2026, an international arrest warrant was issued.

Investigators from the Spanish National Police's Central Unit for Family and Women Care initially located Rocks, a British national, in Benidorm following surveillance operations.

Sources close to the case told Sky News it has been particularly complex.

Last Saturday, police arrested Rocks in Madrid city centre.

He is now in a Madrid prison and waiting for his extradition, sources have confirmed.

Rocks' arrest follows that of Simon Dutton, who was also on the most-wanted list, and was arrested in La Nucia, near Benidorm, in May.

Rick Jones, NCA deputy director international, said: "This arrest marks the 101st arrest in Operation Captura, a multi-agency campaign aimed at tracking down the UK's most wanted individuals in Spain.

"I pay tribute to the excellent work of our colleagues in the Spanish National Police who made this possible. Working with them and other law enforcement partners we are determined to do all we can to ensure fugitives are returned to face the courts."

(c) Sky News 2026: British fugitive on most-wanted list arrested in Spain