BRITAIN: The three former NatWest bankers accused of a £11 million (€15.9 million) fraud began their extradition journey to the US yesterday.
David Bermingham, Gary Mulgrew and Giles Darby - the so-called "NatWest Three" - arrived separately at Croydon police station, south London, at around 6am en route to Gatwick airport, from where they flew to America. They are due to attend a hearing in America today, when they hope to be granted bail.
Speaking on the steps of Croydon police station yesterday, Mr Bermingham, whose wife was by his side, said he had been "absolutely bowled over" by the support he had received. Referring to Neil Coulbeck, a key witness in the case who was found dead in parkland in east London on Tuesday, he said: "We got screwed, but there is a real tragedy. A man has died. I'll be coming home one day."
It is alleged that, in 2000, the three men advised their former employer NatWest to sell part of a company owned by collapsed US giant Enron for less than it was worth. They then left the bank and bought a stake in the company, which they sold on at a significantly higher price to make a huge profit, it is claimed.
Under a treaty drawn up in 2003, the three men are being extradited to America for trial there. LibDem and Tory MPs say the treaty is one-sided as America is not required to provide proof there is a case to answer, while Britain is.