Proceedings in the extradition case of arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, who is wanted in India on money laundering charges, will begin on June 7, 2021, a UK court has said.
Bhandari, who was arrested on an extradition warrant back in July, was due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on Thursday (10) for a case management hearing.
But District Judge DJ Goldspring said the hearing was vacated, as all outstanding matters had been dealt with between the parties, with directions given via email.
"Mr Bhandari’s bail conditions have been extended until February 5, 2021," he said, indicating the next date for a bail hearing in the case.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), representing the Indian government, said Bhandari was sought in India for prosecution under the country's Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002.
The arms dealer faces cases filed by India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
The Indian government’s extradition request for Bhandari had been certified by Home Secretary Priti Patel on June 16, and he was arrested a month later on July 15.
He was granted bail on a £120,000 security and the surrender of his passport, with other restrictions including curfew at his central London home, and regular visits to a police station.
Meanwhile, the latest set of hearings in the extradition case of another alleged Indian economic offender, Nirav Modi, was also taken up in same court building on Thursday.
The 49-year-old diamantaire, wanted in a £1.55-billion Punjab National Bank fraud and money laundering cases, has been lodged at Wandsworth Prison in London since his arrest in March last year.
Modi's case will return to Westminster Magistrates’ Court for further hearings on November 3, and then in early December. The judgment is expected at the end of the year or early next year.
Kulsuma Aktergetty images