American Fugitive Fighting Extradition Order While Facing Rape Allegation in England

Edinburgh, Scotland - Nicholas Alahverdian, an American fugitive accused of faking his own death to evade rape charges in Utah, is facing extradition after Scottish authorities signed an extradition order on September 28th. Alahverdian, who also goes by the name Nicholas Rossi, has been fighting his return to the United States since his arrest in Glasgow in December 2021 while receiving treatment for COVID-19.

The 36-year-old appeared in court claiming to be an Irish orphan named Arthur Knight who had never set foot in the United States. He appeared in a wheelchair, using an oxygen mask, and speaking in a British accent. His attorney argued that he was a victim of mistaken identity and that his fingerprints were obtained by authorities while he was in a coma in order to connect him to the crimes.

In August, Judge Norman McFadyen of Edinburgh Sheriff Court approved the extradition order, describing Alahverdian as "dishonest and deceitful" and criticizing his evasive and manipulative behavior. The judge stated that these characteristics had complicated and prolonged what should have been a straightforward case.

Alahverdian is facing charges of sexually assaulting a former girlfriend in Utah in 2008, as well as multiple complaints in Rhode Island, Ohio, and Massachusetts for alleged domestic violence, harassment, and kidnapping. The FBI is also seeking him for allegedly accumulating $200,000 in debt through fraudulent credit card use.

During the extradition proceedings, health professionals testified about Alahverdian's mental and physical health. Three medical witnesses stated that he showed no signs of acute mental illness, and a doctor cast doubt on his claimed poor health, stating that his legs were strong and athletic. This was in contrast to a video presented in court that showed Alahverdian kicking open a door and a prison officer in the face while using a wheelchair.

The Scottish government confirmed that Justice Secretary Angela Constance had signed the extradition order, but no further details were provided. However, English police also wish to delay his extradition due to a potential connection to a "non-recent allegation of rape" from a case in 2017. If a case is pursued, it would need to be resolved before he can be extradited to the United States.

Once released, Alahverdian would be placed in the custody of U.S. Marshals to face trial for his alleged crimes and serve his sentence. The case has garnered significant attention, with various media outlets reporting on Alahverdian's claims of mistaken identity and his dramatic interviews conducted while in a wheelchair and using an oxygen mask.

The extradition order signed by Scottish authorities marks a significant development in the case of Nicholas Alahverdian, who is accused of evading rape charges in the United States. While he continues to fight his extradition, the legal process is moving forward, and he may soon face trial for his alleged crimes.