A BORDERS town is on the radar of detectives hunting a dangerous fugitive linked to organised crime.

Nicholas Camilleri, 37, is wanted for his involvement in attempts to smuggle mobile phones into prison.

All efforts to find Camilleri since March have failed despite every UK police force being circulated with his photograph and description.

Now detectives have turned their attention to Kelso, where they believe their suspect has strong links and may even be hiding out.

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The investigation is being led by the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) which is based near Oxford.

The unit asked Police Scotland to carry out inquiries in the Kelso area in a bid to track down Camilleri.

SEROCU – which represents Thames Valley, Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire police forces – would not say what Camilleri’s particular links are to the Borders town.

However, detectives are warning the public that Camilleri should not be approached, with anyone who sees him asked to call the police immediately.

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Meanwhile, anyone who recognises him should dial 101.

Camilleri is being investigated for smuggling mobile phones and phone accessories into Ford Open Prison in West Sussex in 2017.

Prisoners are sent to Ford, near Bognor Regis, at the end of their sentences, particularly high-profile inmates.

Although security is more lax, inmates are still not allowed the use of mobile phones.

However, prisoners involved in organised crime need access to smartphones to enable them to run their empires from behind bars.

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Past inmates at Ford include the late footballer George Best and Guinness fraudsters Ernest Saunders and Gerald Ronson.

Camilleri is described as 6ft with brown eyes, dark hair and stubble.

He has a scar under his left eye on his cheekbone and a number of tattoos, including the word ‘taker’ on the right side of his neck along with three flowers in the same area.

On his left arm Camilleri also has a tattoo which reads: ‘I have nothing to lose but everything to live for’.

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SEROCU confirmed to this newspaper that the unit had asked Police Scotland for help in finding Camilleri.

A spokesman said: “We know he has links to the Kelso area.

"Camilleri has been evading capture since March 2020 and we would like the public’s help to trace him.”

The fugitive is also said to have connections to south London and Brighton.

The SEROCU spokesman added: “If you have information which you think could help police locate him or you know where he is, please call 101 quoting Operation Ford.

“If you see Camilleri, please contact police immediately. He should not be approached.”

Police Scotland declined to comment and referred inquiries to their English colleagues.