Extradition proceedings against Mr E, sought by German authorities for an alleged hire-car fraud, have been withdrawn after a successful challenge. Mr E was represented by Jonathan Swain, specialist extradition barrister, instructed by Ruta Mikailaite of GT Stewart.
Mr E hired a vehicle in Germany in March 2024 and drove it to the UK the following day, where he was arrested in possession of the car by UK police. The German authorities alleged that Mr E had misled the hire company about his intention to return the vehicle, despite remaining within the hire period; the vehicle was seized and returned, and UK police took no further action. Nevertheless, German authorities sought Mr E’s extradition for fraud.
On Mr E’s behalf, a request was made under section 21B of the Extradition Act 2003 for the German authorities to consider less coercive measures than extradition. The prosecutor refused without reasons, stating only that surrender was required “for the purpose of conducting the examination of the accused person and subsequently carrying out the main trial”.
Mr E was granted conditional bail throughout the proceedings, enabling him to continue his private life and support his partner and her business while his case was prepared. A comprehensive challenge was mounted against the extradition request, raising issues including proportionality, whether there had been a sufficient decision to charge and try Mr E, and concerns regarding German prison conditions, supported by detailed expert evidence.
Jonathan and Ruta worked closely with Alexander Knecht, whose information undermined the assertion that the case was trial ready, including evidence that the prosecution’s key witness had not been interviewed when the extradition request was issued. Mr Knecht successfully challenged the domestic German warrant, resulting in the extradition request being withdrawn.
