Former Brookside actor Philip Foster has been arrested in Spain after absconding before his trial in the UK over a £13.6 million fraud involving sham modelling agencies.

Foster, 51, was detained by officers from Spain’s Guardia Civil on Thursday, September 17, in the Alicante province. He had been the subject of an international arrest warrant issued by the United Kingdom and was wanted to begin serving an eight-and-a-half-year prison sentence.

Arrest on the Costa Blanca

Spanish authorities said Foster was located in the Orihuela Costa area, south of Alicante.

After confirming his identity, Guardia Civil officers arrested him and searched the property where he was staying. Authorities said they seized €22,000 in cash and several false identity documents.

The discovery of the documents has also led to an allegation of document forgery. That allegation is separate from the UK fraud conviction for which Foster was already wanted.

Extradition Proceedings Underway

Foster was arrested on the basis of the UK international search and arrest warrant issued for extradition purposes.

The UK National Crime Agency said extradition proceedings are now underway to return him to Britain, where he is required to serve his prison sentence. The process remains ongoing and Foster had not been returned to the UK as of September 20, 2026.

Eight-and-a-Half-Year Sentence

Foster was sentenced in his absence at Sheffield Crown Court on February 28, 2025.

National Trading Standards said he received an eight-and-a-half-year prison sentence for conspiracies to defraud. He had not attended the sentencing hearing and was still in Spain at the time.

The conviction followed an investigation lasting more than six years into a network of sham modelling agencies and photography studios operating across England.

More Than 6,000 Victims

National Trading Standards said more than 6,000 people were deceived by the operation.

Victims were led to believe they had prospects of earning money as professional models. After responding to advertising or attending photographic sessions, they were encouraged to pay substantial sums for portfolios and photographs.

According to investigators, the images provided were of poor quality and were not realistically usable to obtain professional modelling work. Virtually none of the victims received paid modelling work.

Operation Run From Spain

The fraud was operated from Spain, with Foster directing a network of associates in England.

The sham agencies and photography studios operated in several cities, including London, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Coventry and Nottingham.

National Trading Standards said the businesses were often dissolved after relatively short periods and rebranded under different names.

Money Moved to Spain

Investigators said money generated by the operation was moved through UK bank accounts before being transferred to Spain or transported as cash on commercial flights by co-conspirators.

National Trading Standards also said its investigation traced substantial sums to Foster and found evidence that proceeds were used to fund an expensive lifestyle, including high-end watches and cars.

Other People Were Sentenced

Eight other people were also sentenced in connection with the case.

Their sentences included immediate and suspended prison terms for conspiracy to defraud and, in some cases, money-laundering offences.

The official sentencing information distinguishes Foster's eight-and-a-half-year sentence for conspiracies to defraud from the money-laundering convictions imposed on some of his associates.

Foster Had Been One of Britain's Most Wanted

Foster was included in the National Crime Agency's recent Most Wanted campaign targeting fugitives believed to be hiding in Spain.

The campaign is a joint effort involving the NCA, Crimestoppers, Spanish law-enforcement partners and the Spanish Ministry of the Interior.

The NCA said Foster became the 102nd fugitive apprehended since the campaign began and the fourth man from its latest campaign to be arrested.

Former Brookside Actor

Foster appeared as Christian Wright in Channel 4's long-running soap Brookside during the 1990s.

He subsequently operated the modelling-agency network from Spain while his associates ran the businesses and studios in England.

His arrest now brings him into the Spanish extradition process before the outstanding UK sentence can be enforced.

What Happens Next

The next stage is the extradition process in Spain.

Foster is expected to be placed before the relevant Spanish judicial authorities dealing with extradition, after which the UK request will be considered under the applicable procedures.

Until that process is completed, he remains in Spain.

Arrest Ends International Manhunt

The arrest follows more than a year during which Foster remained outside the reach of UK authorities after failing to attend court.

National Trading Standards described the original fraud as an operation that caused serious financial and emotional harm to thousands of victims.

The arrest in Alicante now means the British authorities have located the convicted fraud defendant and begun the process of seeking his return to the UK to serve the sentence imposed at Sheffield Crown Court.