Hargobind Tahilramani, dubbed the "con queen of Hollywood," has failed in his legal attempt to prevent his extradition to the United States. He is accused of impersonating movie executives and defrauding hundreds of individuals.
Tahilramani is alleged to have deceived over 300 victims, including actors, screenwriters, and photographers, over a seven-year period. His scheme involved persuading entertainment professionals to travel to Indonesia for purported film projects, at their own expense. These individuals were then allegedly burdened with excessive expenses that were never reimbursed.
The 45-year-old is wanted in the US on eight charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Extradition proceedings took place in 2022, and the Chief Magistrate approved his extradition in June 2023, which was subsequently ordered by the Home Secretary.
Tahilramani appealed the decision to the High Court in London in April. However, Judge Mr Justice Sweeting dismissed the appeal on Tuesday.
Tahilramani's legal team argued that the initial decision to extradite him was flawed, citing concerns about his mental health and the risk of suicide. They also contended that extraditing him would violate his human rights, specifically due to the potential for inhuman and degrading treatment, including sexual assault.
Mr Justice Sweeting, in a detailed ruling, addressed the concerns. The judge acknowledged Tahilramani's claim that he would likely face solitary confinement in protective custody due to his sexual orientation and perceived effeminate demeanor. The judge determined that any differential treatment Tahilramani might experience in prison would be intended to prevent violence and that the previous judge was correct in concluding that extradition would not be oppressive given his physical or mental state.
Mr Justice Sweeting concluded that any differential treatment would be related to protective measures due to vulnerability, not discriminatory intent. These measures, the judge stated, are not inhuman or degrading and serve a legitimate purpose within the US penal system.
5 Comments
Habibi
Good. He tried to play the system, but he failed. Now he has to pay for his crimes.
Coccinella
I hope the authorities consider the potential risks to his well-being while in custody.
Africa
Is extradition really the right choice when his mental health is at risk? A difficult situation.
Michelangelo
The victims deserve closure and to see him punished. So many lives ruined by his greed.
Raphael
He probably thought he'd get away with it forever. Karma's a bitch!