END OF THE HUYTON FIRM? Francis Coggins - detailed as on the run during EncroChat trial - arrested in Dutch coastal town

Francis Coggins, the suspected joint head of the Liverpool 'Huyton Firm' has been arrested in a Dutch coastal town.

Coggins, age 60, was arrested outside a residential property in the coastal town of Zandvoort yesterday, Tuesday, June 3 2025, by officers from the Dutch National Police.

He was taken into custody after ongoing work between the National Crime Agency 9NCA), the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) and the Dutch National Police.

Coggins, of Huyton, Liverpool, was wanted by the North West ROCU on a TACA warrant (Trade and Cooperation Agreement) for allegedly smuggling heroin and cocaine.

Today (Weds 4 June), Coggins appeared at court in Amsterdam to begin the process of extradition to the UK and he was remanded to appear again on a date to be confirmed.

Gill Duggan, head of Europe at the NCA said: “The agency has been working extensively with the ROCU and our international partners to trace Coggins and return him to the UK.

“It does not matter where fugitives go. The agency’s reach and strong relationships with international partners mean we will always tenaciously pursue those wanted by law enforcement.”

Detective Superintendent Zoe Russo from the North West ROCU said: “This arrest demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that individuals wanted for serious offences, whether in the UK or abroad, are brought to justice.

“We work closely with international law enforcement partners to track down and apprehend fugitives, no matter where they try to hide. The message is clear: if you are wanted, we will find you.”

In May 2024, Coggins' brother Vincent, was jailed for 28 years, in connection with the smuggling offences after they were snared by EncroChat phones. Francis was mentioned as being on the run a number of times during the trial.

Read more on the case here, here and here.