Latest news with #HarryWinston
Tokyo Reported
18-05-2025
- Tokyo Reported
Judge says 2 British men can be extradited over Harry Winston heist in Tokyo
LONDON (TR) – A court here last week said that two British nationals can be extradited over a smash-and-grab robbery at a Harry Winston boutique in Tokyo one decade ago, reports the BBC (May 16). On May 16, chief magistrate Judge Goldspring rejected the challenges by Kaine Wright, 28, and Joe Chappell, 38, against extradition. The home secretary will now decide whether they will be sent to Japan. On November 20, 2015, Wright and Chappell and a third man allegedly broke into the high-end Omotesando Hills store, smashed display cases with a crowbar and fled with 46 items — including luxury watches, rings and jewelry. The value of the stolen items totals around 106 million yen, Tokyo Metropolitan Police said previously. During the incident, the suspects also assaulted a 47-year-old male security guard who suffered minor injuries. Afterward, the suspects fled the scene and subsequently left Japan, according to police. In 2017, the suspects were placed on a wanted list with Interpol on suspicion of robbery resulting in injury. Since Japan and the U.K. do not have a mutual extradition treaty the case would be the first time for Japan to receive a suspect without such a treaty in place.
Tokyo Reported
17-05-2025
- Tokyo Reported
Ex-West Ham youth player arrested in UK over ¥75M Harry Winston heist in Tokyo
LONDON (TR) – A former West Ham United youth footballer has been arrested in the UK nearly a decade after a smash-and-grab robbery at a Harry Winston boutique in Tokyo netted over ¥75 million in luxury goods. Isaac Cofie, 32, was taken into custody last week in London under a Japanese extradition request, British media reported. He is accused of being one of three helmeted men who stormed the high-end Omotesando Hills store in March 2015, smashed display cases with a crowbar, and fled with 46 items —— including luxury watches and jewelry. The suspects escaped in a stolen vehicle later abandoned in Shibuya. All three men, described as British nationals of Ghanaian descent, are believed to have fled Japan shortly after the robbery. Japanese police issued international arrest warrants in the months following the heist. Cofie, who once played in West Ham's youth system and later for semi-professional clubs in England, reportedly spent time at a football academy in Japan before the robbery. Japanese authorities believe the gang had scouted the store in advance and acted with military precision. He is now fighting extradition, arguing that Japan's criminal justice system — including prolonged pre-trial detention and a lack of plea bargaining — could violate his human rights. Japan has sought Cofie's extradition since 2015, but legal experts say the process may be drawn out due to differences in judicial systems and prison conditions. A decision could take months or longer. The Omotesando Hills robbery shocked Japan for its bold execution in broad daylight and raised concerns about soft targets in Tokyo's upscale retail corridors. The Harry Winston store has since tightened its security, but no suspects have been tried in Japan to date. This is a developing story. Related Tokyo Reporter coverage: British nationals placed on wanted list over Omotesando Hills jewelry heist (2015) British nationals placed on wanted list over Omotesando Hills jewelry heist Foreign gang suspected in ¥75 million Tokyo jewelry heist (2015) Foreign gang suspected in ¥75 million Tokyo jewelry heist British nationals wanted in Omotesando Hills jewelry heist (2015) British nationals wanted in Omotesando Hills jewelry heist British nationals may be extradited over Harry Winston smash-and-grab (2015) British nationals may be extradited over Harry Winston smash-and-grab Source: Daily Mail – Former West Ham youth player, 32, arrested over £400,000 Japan jewellery store heist
BBC News
16-05-2025
- BBC News
Brits can be extradited over Tokyo jewellery heist
Two British men accused of robbing a luxury jewellery store in Tokyo can be sent to Japan following a landmark almost a decade, Japanese authorities have pursued the extradition of Kaine Wright, 28, Joe Chappell, 38, and a third man over allegations they posed as customers to steal items worth £679,000 (¥106m) from a Harry Winston Friday, chief magistrate Judge Goldspring rejected Wright and Chappell's challenges against extradition. Their case now passes to the home secretary to decide whether they should be sent to extradition treaty exists between the UK and Japan, meaning it would be the first time Japan have successfully received fugitives. Japan's initial request was rejected, but the High Court overturned the original decision following an appeal lodged by the Japanese Friday's judgement - seen by the BBC - Wright, of Plumstead, and Chappell, of Belvedere, both in London, had raised concerns over prison conditions in Japan which they argued were "arbitrary, excessive and breach international standards".The Japanese government said the submissions were "fundamentally flawed both legally and factually".District Judge Goldspring, chief magistrate of England and Wales, found there was a "prima facie case" - enough evidence to support a charge at first glance - against Chappell and that extradition would be "compatible" with his and Wright's human rights. Friday's ruling follows a recent High Court judgement that the Japanese government had a case to extradite Wright, Chappell and a third man named in papers as Daniel Kelly - who is Wright's case against Kelly will be heard at the end of this month. He has not appeared in previous extradition hearings due to a conspiracy to murder case against him taking from January's High Court judgement state that the Japanese "relied upon a range of evidence" which demonstrated that Kelly, Wright and Chappell travelled to Tokyo around the time of the jewellery raid in November captured all three arriving at Narita International Airport on 18 November 2015 and staying at "the Elm Share House", Japanese authorities Insp Suzuki set out a record of the investigation to the High Court which indicated the trio "took taxis" to Harry Winston's branch in Omotesando their efforts to escape, the trio left a number of items behind including an Armani jacket, he said. Ch Insp Suzuki added: "Goggles were left at the shop and a jacket was left on the route the robbers took to flee from the scene."A professor at the Tokyo Dental College compared ePassport images taken at Narita Airport and compared it to CCTV stills of three men taken at the Harry Winston store."The possibility that two (or three) persons in the relevant comparison are the same is extremely high," Ch Insp Suzuki said in his report, citing the professor's "expert" well as other DNA matches, Ch Insp Suzuki's report referred to "expert evidence that glass shards found at the property where the three stayed that matched the glass in the display case at the jewellery shop".Findings in the reports were challenged at the High Court by lawyers representing Wright and Japanese government said it would ensure that the three men would have the right to consult with a lawyer in private, have any interviews recorded and have the right not to answer any once a promising footballer on the books of West Ham United and Brentford, served time in prison after being convicted in 2023 of trying to sell a Ming vase which was stolen from a museum in to any further appeals, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper now has 28 days to decide whether to extradite Chappell and Wright or reject Japan's request.
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Son of man jailed over botched plot to murder £54m Securitas robber faces extradition to Japan over £680k jewellery store heist in Tokyo
A former West Ham youth player is set to face trial in Japan after a British court granted his extradition over a £680k jewellery store heist in Tokyo. Ex-football prodigy Kaine Wright, 27, and Joe Chappell, 37, allegedly took 46 items from the Harry Winston Omotesando Hills Salon of Jewellery in the Shibuya district of Tokyo in 2015. The two men are said to have posed as security guards before attacking one of the store's real security guards and making off with gems worth around £679,000. They are accused of carrying out the heist with Wright's father, Daniel Kelly, 46 - who was jailed last month in connection with a botched plot to murder the mastermind behind Britain's biggest ever cash robbery. Kelly is one of three men, alongside brothers Stewart Ahearne and Louis Ahearne, who schemed to kill Paul Allen, a cage fighter who pulled off the notorious £54million Securitas depot heist in 2006. Allen was left paralysed after he was shot in the neck in 2019 at his home in Woodford, east London that he rented from the comedian Russell Kane following his release from prison. He was hit by two bullets fired through the kitchen window of the detached house on July 11, 2019. Kelly was handed a 36 year prison sentence with an extended licence period of five years at the Old Bailey in April 2025. In relation to the jewellery theft, the Government of Japan claims that Wright and Chappell fled the country just two days after the violent robbery in 2015. The Japanese authorities began extradition proceedings against the trio back in 2018. There is currently no extradition treaty between the UK and Japan but the two countries negotiated a 'memorandum of co-operation' following requests for the men to be sent to the Japan. In 2022 a judge refused to allow the pair to be extradited and discharged them on the basis that the two men might be made subject to 'ill-treatment' during detainment. But Japanese authorities appealed against the decision and a High Court ruling in January this year overturned the earlier decision to discharge the two men. Wright was in the West Ham youth academy before he moved to the USA to pursue opportunities in the MLS. Mark Summers KC, for Chappell, earlier told Westminster Magistrates' Court that extradition would result in a 'grossly disproportionate sentence' for his client. He said there was a 'real risk that Mr Chappell's sentence will be increased by the years he has already served in custody. 'Under Japanese standards, that will be by definition a sentence that is disproportionate to the crime', the lawyer added. Edward Fitzgerald KC, representing Wright, said he could face 'punitive solitary confinement' for things like 'looking in the wrong direction.' 'That confinement can be up to 60 days, and it involves cellular confinement for 24 hours per day with 30 minutes exercise and 15 minutes for bathing.' Ben Keith, for the Government of Japan, said the likely sentences for Wright and Chappell would be 'not arbitrary, nor even in the ballpark of disproportionate.' He said Mr Fitzgerald's point about solitary confinement 'isn't founded in law'. Mr Summers had told the judge his decision would hinge on 'where (he) stands on issues of personal liberty.' But Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring today (fri) announced that the case would be sent to the Secretary of State for the two men's extradition to be ordered. He concluded that there was 'no arguable basis that the requested person(s) face a real risk of grossly disproportionate sentences.' 'The maximum sentences in Japan for the relevant offences falls within the ordinary sentencing range internationally and domestically,' he added. The judge further found it would be 'unnecessary to make further findings of fact regarding (the issue) of solitary confinement.' The judge accepted submissions on behalf of the Japanese government that 'isolation would be used only when necessary and as a last resort.' He surmised that the extradition of 'both Mr Chappell and Mr Wright would be compatible with their human rights. 'Accordingly, these matters are now sent to the Secretary of State.'
Indian Express
30-04-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Daily Briefing: The Army's freehand in Pahalgam response
Good morning, From India's storied Golconda mines—the birthplace of legends like the Koh-i-Noor and Darya-i-Nur—emerged The Golconda Blue, once destined to fetch a whopping $35–$50 million at Christie's. It was poised to become the largest Fancy Vivid Blue diamond ever auctioned. Its anonymous owners have instead opted for a private sale within the family, pulling the gem from public view. But its legacy is anything but quiet. Once owned by the Maharaja of Indore, passed to famed jeweller Harry Winston, and briefly held by the Maharaja of Baroda, the Golconda Blue has a rich history. Read about it in our explainer. On that note, let's get to today's edition. Big Story As the government readies its response to the April 21 Pahalgam attack, India's top defence leaders gathered at the Prime Minister's residence on Tuesday. Per sources, PM Modi told them the armed forces have ' complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of our response'. A meeting of the Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS)—comprising the Prime Minister, Defence Minister, Home Minister, Finance Minister and External Affairs Minister—is expected later today. So, what should India's response be? Our columnists C Raja Mohan, M N Sabharwal, and Manish Sabharwal weigh in. Raja Mohan argues that India's retaliation must not just punish but compel a political reckoning inside Pakistan. (Read) Meanwhile, the Sabharwals examine the strategic arc of India's Kashmir policy and why this attack demands a forceful reaction. Adding fuel to the fire, Pakistani minister Attaullah Tarar has warned that Islamabad has 'credible intelligence' suggesting India could launch a military operation within the next 24–36 hours. Only in Express The diplomatic measures in the wake of the Pahalgam attack have spelt despair for several families. As India ordered Pakistani nationals to return to their countries, the Attari border post has become a site of teary farewells and heartbreak. For many, the suspension of visas for Pakistani nationals has meant separation from spouses and children. My colleague, Kamaldeep Singh Brar, documents their stories. Similar scenes are playing out miles away in Jammu and Kashmir, where many fear a midnight knock by the police, which will send them to Attari alongside other deportees. From the Front Page Bottom line: In the ongoing case over the alleged use of Pegasus, an Israeli-made spyware, to surveil journalists, activists and politicians, the Supreme Court has underlined that there is nothing wrong if a country has spyware and employs it for security. The only question would be against whom it is used. (S)heroes: Last year, Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister announced his government's plans to create an experimental women-led district administration. In the first such district, Lahaul and Spiti, all seven top governance and administrative posts are now held by women. Must Read Fair winds: India is all set to acquire 26 Rafale-M fighter jets after its Rs 63,000 crore deal with France. An expert, Rear Admiral Mukul Asthana (Retd), explains the significance of the aircraft for the armed forces and why the Rafale fighter jets would improve interoperability between the Navy and the Air Force. Island Voice: The Great Andamanese, which includes a mixture of tribal languages such as Jero, Sare, Bo, and Khora, has fewer than 10 speakers alive. In the face of this extinction, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have embraced a unique linguistic identity as speakers of Andamanese Hindi. Unlike Hindi, the language does not have any gender agreement or number agreement. Read Adrija Roychowdhury's fascinating piece on the origins and evolution of Andamanese Hindi. And Finally… A handy companion for many, ChatGPT has a new offering for its users. OpenAI is set to launch a new shopping option, especially for users who research and buy products with the help of the AI chatbot. For now, the feature is advertisement-free, which may have Google worried. 🎧 Before you go, don't forget to tune in to the latest '3 Things' podcast episode. Today's lineup: Crackdown on Bangladeshi illegal immigrants in Ahmedabad and the shutting down of tourist sites in J&K. Business As Usual by EP Unny
