The UK's home secretary has approved the extradition of diamond tycoon Nirav Modi to India to face allegations of a $1.8 billion bank fraud.
Mr Modi, whose jewels once adorned stars from Bollywood to Hollywood, has been held in London's Wandsworth Prison as he battled extradition to India.
In February, he appeared via video link from prison at Westminster Magistrates Court where a judge sent his case for extradition to Home Secretary Priti Patel for a final decision.
Following her approval, he now has two weeks to appeal the decision in the High Court before he will be removed from the UK and returned to India.
District Judge Samuel Goozee had ruled that the jeweller has a case to answer before the Indian courts.
"I do not accept that Nirav Modi was involved in legitimate business. I find no genuine transactions and believe there is a process of dishonesty," the judge said.
"Many of these are a matter for trial in India. I am satisfied again that there is evidence he could be convicted. Prima facie there is a case of money laundering."
Judge Goozee dismissed Mr Modi’s argument that he would not be treated fairly in India.
Mr Modi has refused to submit to extradition to India and denies the fraud allegations. He had sought political asylum in the UK.
Indian authorities have sought Mr Modi’s arrest since February 2018, when they alleged companies he controlled defrauded the state-owned Punjab National Bank by using fake financial documents to get loans to buy and import jewels.
Last year, Indian authorities seized diamonds, pearls and silver worth millions of dollars belonging to the gem trader.
The valuables, worth 13.5 billion rupees ($177 million), had been kept in a warehouse in Hong Kong after being moved there from Dubai in 2018, India’s Enforcement Directorate, which investigates financial crimes, said.
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Dos
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World Mental Health Day
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In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
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Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
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