SFO wants to talk to Leeson
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.Nick Leeson, the trader blamed for the collapse of Barings bank, is to be interviewed by the Serious Fraud Office after all, following what it described as an "unconditional offer" from his lawyers.
The SFO's decision to interview Mr Leeson follows a campaign by Stephen Pollard, his lawyer, to win his client's extradition from Germany to the UK. However, the SFO maintained yesterday that the former Barings trader should be tried in Singapore, where the offences causing the bank's collapse allegedly took place.
The SFO said: "Singapore is the most appropriate jurisdiction, notwithstanding Mr Leeson's stated wish to be tried in the UK. We have made it known we do not wish to put in an extradition request in competition with Singapore. This continues to be our position."
An SFO spokeswoman declined to state whether the SFO might be prepared to supply the Singapore authorities with any additional information received from Mr Leeson in order to aid their extradition attempts and subsequent trial.
"At present, we do not have any evidence that what he has to say might be of interest to us in our investigation or those of other authorities," she said.
Despite the SFO's statement, Mr Pollard said yesterday he was delighted with the turnaround, first predicted in the Independent last week.
"Despite the fact that they appear to have prejudged the matter, I believe that this interview will advance the case for Mr Leeson's extradition to Britain," Mr Pollard said.
Extradition wrangle, page 2
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments