DTI in moves to extradite Levitt
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is set to make a move to extradite Roger Levitt, the disgraced ex life assurance tycoon, from the US. He is wanted on a warrant issued on 16 December for failing to appear in court for allegedly acting as a "shadow director" of International Boxing Corporation, a boxing promotion company, while disqualified from doing so.
The move to extradite him was announced yesterday at Marlborough Street Magistrates' Court when four officials from the company appeared on related summonses. The four are Cecil Halpin, John Wiffin, Hartley Wintney and Mark Segal.
Andrew Colman, representing the DTI, told Timothy Workman, the magistrate: "A warrant is in issue against a fifth defendant who is believed to be in the United States.
"The prosecution would like the opportunity to secure the attendance of the other defendant by whatever means possible. That may take some time."
Asking for a six-month adjournment of the case, Mr Colman added: "We are still investigating the possibility of extradition, but there are technical difficulties which may prove insuperable. One other alternative is that the American authorities may take a view about the person remaining in their country and that may involve a further development."
Lawyers representing Levitt's co-defendants opposed an adjournment. Ronald Lewis, representing three of the men, said: "It's not often that you hear the Crown, in this case the DTI, making an application that they themselves say may not have much chance of succeeding - at least, on the extradition point.
"The warrant was issued for Roger Levitt's arrest six weeks ago, and if Mr Levitt is or is not being co-operative... matters not as far as these defendants are concerned."
Mr Workman agreed to a month's adjournment, pending the outcome of DTI consultations with US law experts.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments