Shocking video footage has captured the moment a British national was apprehended by authorities in Spain after evading capture for 17 months. William Hunter, aged 34, fled Portugal in 2022 after fatally stabbing his roommate in Algarve, sparking a widespread manhunt. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the National Crime Agency (NCA), he was arrested in Alicante by the Guardia Civil last week.
Hunter faces extradition to Portugal to serve a 16-year sentence for the murder of his 22-year-old roommate, Elliot Mulligan, in an Albufeira apartment. The arrest was made possible through the exchange of intelligence and cooperation between multiple law enforcement agencies, with the NCA’s international liaison officers playing a pivotal role in coordinating the operation.
A joint effort involving the NCA, Guardia Civil, Portuguese Judicial Police, and Merseyside Police culminated in Hunter’s apprehension after months of dedicated work. Hunter, who had been convicted of murder in May 2023 but was out on bail pending an appeal, breached his bail conditions and absconded, triggering the extensive manhunt that led to his capture. He is currently in custody in Spain awaiting extradition proceedings.
Gill Duggan, Head of Europe at the NCA, expressed sympathy for Elliot’s family and emphasized the commitment to securing justice for the victim. Detective Superintendent Mark Drew of Merseyside Police highlighted the collaborative nature of the operation and reiterated the dedication to capturing fugitives and providing support to victims’ families.
Merseyside Police reaffirmed their commitment to international cooperation in law enforcement and stressed the importance of cross-border information sharing in apprehending criminals.