The high-end Harry Winston jewellery store in Tokyo was burgled in November 2015 [Getty Images]<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Two British men accused of robbing a luxury jewellery store in Tokyo can be sent to Japan following a landmark ruling.<\/p>\n
For 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 \u00a3679,000 (\u00a5106m) from a Harry Winston store.<\/p>\n
On 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 Japan.<\/p>\n
No extradition treaty exists between the UK and Japan, meaning it would be the first time Japan have successfully received fugitives.<\/p>\n
Japan’s initial request was rejected, but the High Court overturned the original decision following an appeal lodged by the Japanese government.<\/p>\n
In 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”.<\/p>\n
The Japanese government said the submissions were “fundamentally flawed both legally and factually”.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n