The extradition of Nicholas Rossi, the American man accused of faking his own death to evade a rape charge in Utah, has been approved by Scottish authorities. However, a separate rape allegation in England could postpone his return to the U.S., adding another layer of complexity to this already convoluted case.
Nicholas Rossi leaving Edinburgh Sheriff And Justice Of The Peace Court after an extradition hearing, July 12, 2022. (Andrew Milligan/PA via AP, File)
The Scottish government confirmed the signing of the extradition order on September 28, 2023, following a freedom of information request. This decision marks a significant turning point in the legal battle surrounding Rossi, who has vehemently denied his true identity and fought extradition for nearly two years.
The Web of Identities and Allegations
U.S. authorities assert that “Nicholas Rossi” is merely one of several aliases employed by the 36-year-old fugitive, whose legal name is Nicholas Alahverdian. Alahverdian faces a rape charge stemming from a 2008 incident involving a former girlfriend in Orem, Utah. Adding to his legal woes, he is also the subject of multiple domestic violence complaints in Rhode Island.
The Fight Against Extradition
Rossi’s arrest in December 2021 at a Glasgow hospital, where he was receiving treatment for COVID-19, marked the beginning of a protracted legal struggle. Maintaining his innocence, he claimed to be an Irish orphan named Arthur Knight, insisting he had never been to the United States. Throughout court appearances, Rossi presented himself in a wheelchair, utilizing an oxygen mask and affecting a British accent.
The Scottish Court’s Ruling
Despite Rossi’s elaborate charade, Judge Norman McFadyen of Edinburgh Sheriff Court ruled on August 2nd that he could be extradited. McFadyen characterized Rossi as “dishonest and deceitful,” as well as “evasive and manipulative,” dismissing Rossi’s claims of being framed and having his fingerprints taken while in a coma.
Nicholas Rossi leaving the Edinburgh Sheriff and Justice of the Peace Court in Edinburgh, Scotland, July 12, 2023. (Andrew Milligan/PA via AP)
A New Hurdle: The English Rape Allegation
While the extradition order brings Alahverdian closer to facing justice in the U.S., a new obstacle has emerged. Police in Chelmsford, England, are seeking to interview him regarding a “non-recent allegation of rape” made in April 2022. Should charges be filed in this case, the proceedings would need to conclude before extradition can take place.
Legal Maneuvering and Potential Appeals
Rossi has the option to appeal the Scottish government’s extradition decision. The outcome of such an appeal could further delay his return to the United States. His legal team has yet to comment on their intended course of action.
The Implications of the Extradition Order
The signed extradition order represents a significant victory for U.S. authorities seeking to hold Alahverdian accountable for the alleged crimes. However, the English rape allegation introduces a new level of uncertainty, potentially prolonging the legal process and delaying his eventual return to face the charges against him. The case continues to unfold, with each new development adding to the complexity and intrigue surrounding Nicholas Rossi, alias Arthur Knight, alias Nicholas Alahverdian.
Awaiting Justice: What Lies Ahead
The future of Nicholas Rossi remains uncertain. Whether he will be extradited to the U.S. to face the rape charge in Utah, or if the English legal proceedings will take precedence, remains to be seen. This complex case highlights the challenges of international legal proceedings and the lengths to which individuals may go to evade justice. As the legal battles continue, the search for truth and accountability persists.
