A London court on Wednesday approved the extradition of two British men to Japan in connection with a 2015 jewelry heist in Tokyo. This reverses earlier rulings that had halted the process.
The High Court in London determined that assurances from the Japanese authorities sufficiently protect the rights of the two accused, Joe Chappell and Kaine Wright. The ruling overrides a previous decision by a lower court that had blocked the handover, citing concerns over human rights.
In addition, the High Court concluded that sufficient evidence exists to proceed with a case against Chappell, while a lower court had already established sufficient evidence regarding Wright. As a result, their cases will return to the Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Any appeal to a higher court by either suspect would temporarily suspend extradition.
Since Britain and Japan do not have a formal extradition treaty, sending suspects to Japan would mark the first time British authorities have extradited individuals to a country with no such agreement in place.
Japanese investigators allege that on the evening of November 20, 2015, Chappell, Wright, and a third individual, Daniel Kelly, entered the Harry Winston jewelry store in Tokyo’s Omotesando Hills complex, posing as customers. They reportedly smashed the store’s glass showcases, stealing 46 items valued at about 106 million yen (approximately $682,000), and assaulted a security guard during the robbery.
Kelly is not being considered for extradition due to ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom. During the appeal, Japan argued that evidence against Chappell was strong, bolstered by biometric data, facial recognition analysis, and eyewitness accounts.
