Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
MI6 ‘CONMAN’ HELD AFTER 2YRS ON RUN
Cops find suspect living in Switzerland
A BRITISH man suspected of fleecing a woman of her life savings while posing as an MI6 agent has been arrested in Switzerland.
Mark Acklom, 45, is said to have tried to escape police by jumping off a balcony at his plush apartment in Zurich.
He had been living there with his wife and two children.
Acklom was one of Britain’s most wanted men after being accused of stealing £850,000 from divorcee Carolyn Woods in 2012.
He allegedly promised to marry the single mum while posing as a member of the British security services.
Ms Woods, 61, said yesterday: “I’m delighted he’s been found and arrested and I’m hoping justice will be served.”
The National Crime Agency confirmed Acklom was in custody awaiting extradition for 20 fraud charges.
Ms Woods embarked on a year-long romance with the former public schoolboy after he visited her clothing boutique. She claims he conned her into “lending” him her savings.
At first he allegedly said he was a Swiss banker before saying this was merely cover for his role as an MI6 agent.
When he vanished, he allegedly claimed to be working undercover in Syria. A European Arrest Warrant was issued for Acklom in June 2016.
Ian Cruxton, head of international operations for the NCA, said: “Like many fugitives, Acklom believed he could remain at large by travelling around Europe, but our international reach means there is no safe place to hide.”
Lead investigating officer Det Insp Adam Bunting, of Avon and Somerset Police, added: “The arrest of Mark Acklom is the direct result of the co-ordinated efforts of our officers, the NCA and the Swiss authorities.
“We’re grateful for the professionalism and expertise of all those involved in this international search.”