Two of Scotland's most wanted fugitives have sparked fears they may be dead after a £10,000 reward for their arrest was scrapped.
The Gillespie brothers, who were known as Scotland's 'Pablo Escobar brothers', are wanted for a number of crimes across the UK and Europe, including alleged attempted murder, organised crime, and drug trafficking.
A £5,000 bounty for each brother's capture had been posted by Crimestoppers after they disappeared over a year ago.
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But just a few months ago, it was reported that both men were feared dead by their family and correspondents, and the crime-prevention organisation has since taken down both reward offers.
Crimestoppers confirmed to the Daily Record that rewards are typically scrapped 'unless renewed at the request of the investigating police force.'
Speaking to the same publication, a source close to the story claimed that 'no one has heard anything from either of them in months, not even their closest friends and family'.
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They continued: "They used to keep in touch with a few of their trusted pals who did some running about for them.
"Everyone thinks they’re dead."
A Police Scotland spokesperson also said that they have been 'in contact with the families of James and Barry Gillespie after enquiries have led them to believe that both men may have come to harm'.
Barry, who is also known to go by the name Eamon Fitzpatrick, is wanted for a number of crimes, including the 2015 abduction of Robert Allan, who was taken from his home and tortured for two days before being dumped on the side of the road.
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Allan was shot twice in one knee and once in the other, doused in bleach, and had his leg broken during his abduction.
James, who also goes by the name James Gardener, is also wanted for Allan's abduction, as well as a number of organised crime charges, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and illegal weapons possession.
It is believed that they are 'bunkered down in a Brazilian bolthole' as police say they have connections in Spain, Portugal and Tenerife.
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The brothers' recent silence has also sparked suspicions that they may have been targeted and 'executed' wherever they're hiding out.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: "Police Scotland officers have been in contact with the families of James and Barry Gillespie after enquiries led them to believe that both men may have come to harm.
"However, extensive enquiries to trace both men are continuing and anyone with information about their current whereabouts should contact Police Scotland."
While James is described as aged 45-50 with a medium build and dark hair, Barry is known to be shorter and slightly younger than his brother at around 5ft 10, and aged 40-45 with a stocky build and dark hair.
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LADbible has approached Crimestoppers for further comment.
Ali Condon