A key suspect in the Securitas robbery, who is suspected of fleeing Britain with suitcases full of cash, has been hiding in a seaside village in northern Cyprus, The Times has learnt.

Sean Lupton, 47, who absconded while on bail after being questioned about the biggest robbery in Britain, was seen in Catalkoy in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Villagers yesterday recalled the distinct features of the builder – he is stocky and squint-eyed – and one remembers him commenting that his wife remained in England while he worked on the island.

Mr Lupton, a martial arts and boxing instructor from Whitstable in Kent, was seen drinking regularly in bars in the town with workmates.

Five men were jailed at the Old Bailey this week for their roles in the robbery at the Securitas depot in Tonbridge, Kent, two years ago. The robbers kidnapped Colin Dixon, the manager of the Securitas depot, and his wife and child, before stealing what prosecutors described as a king’s ransom – £53 million – in February 2006.

Only £21 million of the £53 million that was stolen has been recovered and a worldwide hunt for the missing cash and at least 16 fugitivies has led detectives to Cyprus, Morocco, Albania and the West Indies.

The Foreign Minister of the Turkish Cypriot authority told The Times that there was no record of Mr Lupton arriving in the island but he could not rule out the possibility that he arrived on a false passport.

Professor Turgay Avci said that British police had been to the island to search for Mr Lupton and other suspects from the Securitas raid.

He said: “Our police have a good relationship and cooperation with the British police. Six months ago British police got in touch with us over this case. We have worked with them, searched together. Information has been delivered and continues to be delivered. We do not welcome fugitives, we do not want them here and we will always cooperate in returning them to Britain.”

In Catalkoy residents said that Mr Lupton had not been seen since October.

Hassan Aydin said: “He would come here with friends, mainly English people and a few Turks. They would drink beer, get a little drunk, perhaps a little loud and then go to Kyrenia.

“He was always dressed quite well but the other men’s clothes were covered with concrete and dust. I think he was a builder, or was overseeing some property development.”

Tolga Demerali, who is also from Catalkoy, said: “He was distinctive – one eye went one way, the other eye went the other way. He also always had a good car.”

Mehmet, who refused to give his full name, said: “He would say his wife was back in England. He was generous and would offer us drinks. He knew how to say hello and how are you? in Turkish but that was about it.

“He was always with another Englishman in his mid 20s. They would drink too much beer and become a little loud sometimes.”

Mr Lupton has not been seen on the island since British police arrived to search for him in the autumn. There is speculation locally that he may be under the protection of local crime gangs, which are involved in the Mediterranean drugs trade. He disappeared from Britain in December 2006, a month after he was questioned about the Securitas robbery. His white Transit van was found parked and locked in Aycliffe, Dover, and police believe that he made his way by ferry to France.

Mr Lupton’s wife, Theresa, said: “It’s one of my theories that he is dead. But I am not too sure now. He did have distinctive cross-eyes.”

Professor Avci said that a number of other fugitives had been returned to Britain and that the Turkish Cypriot authorities would welcome an extradition treaty with Britain.

He said: “Officially the British pretend we do not exist. But actually we do exist, we deal, we talk, we have all kinds of cooperation.

“We are ready to have an extradition treaty or protocol with Britain and the rest of the European Union.” A Briton who was extradited from Morocco this week has been charged in connection with the robbery. Details of the charges were not immediately available, a police spokesman said. The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was one of two suspects arrested in Morocco in 2006 and held at a prison in Rabat on unrelated charges.

The Moroccan Supreme Court in Rabat granted approval for a request last year by the British authorities for him to be extradited in connection with the Securitas robbery. He had remained in the custody of the Moroccan authorities while administrative details were finalised. Extradition proceedings against the second suspect, who also cannot be named, have still to be completed.

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