LONDON, Aug 27: Britain has requested the extradition of an Algerian man arrested in Bangkok with 180 false passports, Scotland Yard and the Foreign Office said on Saturday.
Thai police reportedly suspect Atamnia Yachine, 33, who was arrested on Wednesday, is linked to the four suicide bombers who killed 52 people and injured 700 by exploding rucksack bombs on three underground trains and a bus in the British capital on July 7.
British officials however would not confirm any link.
“We are seeking his extradition. We had an arrest warrant issued by Bow Street Magistrates Court on Aug 24 on suspicions of offences of conspiracy to make and distribute false passports and offences of money laundering,” a Scotland Yard spokesman said.
“He has been arrested and we are working with the Thai authorities to seek his extradition. We certainly hope we will (succeed).”
The spokesman said he could not confirm a report in the Thai paper The Nation that Yachine supplied false travel documents to the July 7 bombers.
A Foreign Office spokesman also confirmed Britain was seeking the Algerian’s extradition, but said he could not say if Yachine was linked to the attacks.
“We’re working with the Thai authorities to seek his extradition to the UK,” the spokesman said.—AFP
