This is an honest, frank and no-holds-barred account of the ‘Natwest Three Case’, told by one of the British bankers embroiled in the Enron scandal. This involved the collapse of the seventh-largest company in the US following an epidemic of fraud within the business.

Bermingham’s book details how failing to declare an interest in a business transaction in the UK turned into allegations of wire fraud in the US. These led to Bermingham, Gary Mulgrew and Giles Darby facing extraditon to Texas to face charges.

David Bermingham

£8.99, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

The background to the crimes, the proceedings themselves and the relentless fight against extradition with the English judicial system, media and UK parliament is detailed and gripping.

One theme which this book encapsulates exceptionally well is the principle that extradition proceedings are not about whether an individual is guilty or innocent of an offence. It also considers in some depth the lack of any forum bar under the legislation, which could have prevented the trio’s extradition.

This case resulted in debates in parliament, with widespread media coverage of British nationals facing trial in the US when the ‘victim’ was in the UK.

As it is told from the perspective of an individual whose extradition was sought, the book is not an impartial critique of the Extradition Act 2003. It does provide a fascinating and frightening insight into the life-changing impact extradition can have on an individual and family lives.

Kate Chanter is a trainee solicitor at Hodge Jones & Allen

 

 

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