Europol sends postcards to 'Most Wanted' criminals

Dear Europe's Most Wanted…

European police forces are sending 21 of the continent's most wanted criminals cheeky holiday "wish you were here" postcards in a bid to track them down.

European police agency Europol has published the postcards on its website as part of an ongoing public awareness campaign.

One is aimed at French national Farouk Hachi, who was convicted in his absence in 2009 to 20 years in jail for several armed bank robberies and is believed to have lived in France, Belgium and The Netherlands.

The picture shows the Eiffel Tower, a man in striped T-shirt and neck-scarf brandishing a baguette next to a croissant and a bottle of red wine, and the message reads: Cher Farouk, You must know that life is best in la douce France. We hope you will return to us soon," adding in French "Tu nous manques (we miss you)".

Another Frenchman mentioned in the postcards is David Gras, who was involved in series of armed thefts against armoured cars or secured cash premises using stolen vehicles, explosives and heavy weapons in France in 2011.

Officials hope the darkly humorous campaign will drive people to visit the Europol website and help track down criminals wanted for serious crimes.

"While most of us are enjoying a well-deserved summer break, criminals are not taking time off from crime," Europol said in a statement.

"Holiday destinations have proven to be popular hiding places for criminals on the run."

Since the launch of the "most wanted" list in January 2016, a total 36 suspects have been arrested - 11 as a direct result of information passed to Europol. Four fugitives turned themselves in after appearing on the list.

One of those caught after featuring on Europol's 'Most Wanted' list was Salah Abdeslam, who was arrested in Molenbeek, Brussels, on March 18, 2016, after being on the run for 126 days following the terror attacks in Paris in November 2015, Le Figaro reports.