SINGAPORE (Reuters) – A British court has ruled that a fugitive wanted by Singapore for a rare bank robbery could be extradited after the wealthy city-state agreed to waive corporal punishment if he is found guilty.
Canadian David Roach is accused of having stolen S$30,000 (17,467.19 pounds) from a branch of Standard Chartered bank in 2016 by handing a threatening note to a teller. He then fled to Thailand with the money.
“All challenges fail,” said district judge N Tempia of the Westminster magistrates court.
Roachs lawyer had appealed against the extradition, in court documents seen by Reuters, citing Singapore prison conditions, the fact that his client was jailed in Thailand, and concerns that Singapore would not keep its promise.
The case sparked debate at the time about whether Singapore, which has a very low crime rate, had become too complacent on security. The decision on Roachs extradition has now been passed to Britains secretary of state.
“Singapore authorities are working closely with the UK authorities on the next steps in this matter,” Singapores home affairs ministry and its attorney-generals chambers said in a joint statement late on Wednesday.
Singapore wants Roach on one count of robbery, carrying a minimum jail term of two years and at least six strokes of the cane, and on one count of money laundering. In February, Singapore agreed to waive corporal punishment.
After fleeing to Thailand, Roach was jailed for 14 months for not declaring such a large amount of money upon arrival.
Singapore authorities said they had repeatedly asked Thailand to send Roach back to face charges, but it decided to deport Roach to Canada in January.
However, en route home, he was detained by British police at Londons Heathrow Airport at the request of Singapore, a former British colony that has an extradition treaty with Britain, but not Thailand.
Reporting by John Geddie in SINGAPORE and Andrew MacAskill in LONDON; Editing by Clarence Fernandez
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