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NatWest Three extradition row heats up. By Dan Martin

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14th Jul 2006
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The row over the extradition of the NatWest Three intensified on Friday when a government minister accused the bankers involved of using a highly skilled public relations campaign to win over the public.

Baroness Scotland, who flew to Washington yesterday in an attempt to persuade the US to sign the 2003 extradition treaty at the centre of the controversy, said: "The defence has conducted one of the best PR campaigns ever seen."

She added that the case of David Bermingham, Gary Mulgrew and Giles Darby had involved a "frenzy of misunderstanding and distortion" perpetuated by the press, while it had also damaged the "special relationship" between the UK and US.

Before setting off for the US, the home office minister insisted those opposing the treaty had based their views on "myths". "There seem to be so many myths that it is difficult to know where to stop," she said, but added: "I will leave the United States in no doubt whatsoever about the concerns about this matter and the passion with which it has been expressed."

David Bermingham, Gary Mulgrew and Giles Darby arrived in Houston, Texas on Thursday after a 10-hour flight from the UK.

They will appear in court later today on fraud charges relating to the collapse of Enron. It is widely believed that the men will be granted bail.

As the three set off for Houston, it was revealed that Neil Coulbeck, a former Royal Bank of Scotland employee linked to the case and found dead in a London park earlier this week, had attempted to commit suicide a few days before but was disturbed by his wife. Civil rights group Liberty has alleged he was "hounded" by the FBI.

According to 'The Scotsman', Coulbeck left his house on 6 July telling his wife he was going for a walk. She later found a suicide note in which he apologised for what he was about to do. A friend of the family told the newspaper: "He had been put through the wringer by the FBI and he was in a very fragile emotional state. The family are extremely angry with the way the FBI dealt with things."

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By AnonymousUser
14th Jul 2006 20:25

No, they should not have been extradited
AFAIUI the alledged crime was committed in the UK, by UK citizens against a UK company. The UK company and the UK law enforcement agencies have declined to take any action.

On this basis my belief is the the extradition should not have happened.

Blair, by failing to take action to cancel the one sided extradition treaty and ensure that the rights UK citizens are protected, bears ultimate responsibility for this.

I hope he can sleep easily knowing that his inaction leads to great stress and trauma for the individuals concerned, and for their young families. I could say a lot more about Blairs behavious over David Kelly, invasion of Iraq etc, but this isn't the place. However if rational professional people like myself are concerned about the integrity and competance of the government and PM, isn't it time they started listening?

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By carnmores
17th Jul 2006 12:22

In yesterday's sunda times
Simon Jenkins outlined a clear case for the trial to be heard in America and on balance i agree with him.

what i do take exception to is the 'normal' treatment of suspected felons pre trial. it is typically american to shackle everybody and try and paint them as guilty.

America would never give up one of their citizens so in future we should ensure that there is reciproccity

one other point these 3 guys resigned, as i understand it, from Nat West. so instead of calling them the Enron 3 which is possibly pushing the boat out a bit, we should find a different name someone suggested calling them the Greedy 3.

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By listerramjet
14th Jul 2006 16:00

this government
knows all about public relations campaigns, but the public are won over by the facts!

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By dan06
14th Jul 2006 15:59

NatWest Three - the accountants' view
As the NatWest Three - Giles Darby, David Bermingham and Gary Mulgrew - await their bail hearing in the US after being extradited on charges relating to the collapse of Enron we are looking for our members' views on the case.

Should the NatWest Three have been extradited?

Let us know what you think by posting a comment here or by e-mailing us at [email protected]

Dan Martin
Business Editor
AccountingWEB

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By User deleted
17th Jul 2006 11:19

But the unanswered question ....
still remains as to why the NatWest Bank did not instigate proceedings in the first place?

The NatWest has a duty to its shareholders and surely this must form part of any solution?

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