Philip Foster, a 51-year-old former actor known for his role in the television series Brookside, has been arrested in Spain following his flight from justice in a major fraud case. Foster was convicted in absentia last year of orchestrating a £13.6 million scam involving fake modeling agencies that deceived aspiring models and their families.

The scheme, which operated for approximately eight years, promised hopeful individuals the opportunity to secure modeling work but resulted in victims collectively losing large sums of money. Authorities estimate that more than 6,000 people were affected by the fraudulent operation, which Foster managed from his residence in Spain, where he reportedly maintained an extravagant lifestyle.

Following Foster’s conviction at Sheffield Crown Court, an eight-and-a-half-year prison sentence was issued. He had evaded arrest by fleeing the United Kingdom, prompting a cross-border search involving the National Crime Agency (NCA). On Thursday, Spanish law enforcement officials from the Guardia Civil detained Foster in Alicante. Extradition procedures are currently underway to facilitate his return to the UK to serve his sentence.

Foster’s capture marks the fourth apprehension of an individual listed on the NCA’s most-wanted roster in recent operations. Investigations into the full extent of the fraud and any associated accomplices remain ongoing.