Woman who spent £16m in Harrods will not be extradited to Azerbaijan
A judge ruled today that a woman who spent £16m in Harrods and was the target of the UK’s first unexplained wealth order (UWO) will not be extradited to Azerbaijan.
Zamira Hajiyeva, whose banker husband is serving a 15-year sentence for fraud and embezzlement, faced extradition to Azerbaijan to stand trial on multiple fraud charges.
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However, a district judge ruled today she would not receive a fair trial in the former Soviet republic.
Senior District Judge Emma Arbuthnot said in her judgment that “there is a real risk that Mrs Hajiyeva whose case is high-profile and sensitive and not a ‘normal’ criminal case will suffer a flagrant denial of justice.”
Hajiyeva was the target of the UK’s first UWO which forced her to reveal how she was able to afford two UK properties worth a combined £22m.
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Hajiyeva’s lawyer, Roger Gherson of Gherson Solicitors, said: “We welcome the decision of the Senior District Judge today, which confirms that our client, Mrs Hajieva, will not be extradited to Azerbaijan.
“There is much more that we would like to say but, given ongoing proceedings in respect of other matters and the possibility that the Azeri government may appeal, we will not be making any further comment at this stage. Whilst we understand the interest in this case we ask that the press please respect her family’s right to privacy.”