Court Rules American Fugitive Nicholas Rossi Can be Extradited from Scotland to the U.S.

In a significant development regarding an international fugitive case, a Scottish court has ruled that a man believed to be American fugitive Nicholas Alahverdian, known in Scotland as Nicholas Rossi, can be extradited back to the United States. The court’s decision, made by Judge Norman McFadyen at the Edinburgh Sheriff Court, paves the way for Scottish government ministers to make the final call on the extradition request.

The individual in question, who steadfastly denies being Alahverdian, was apprehended at a Glasgow hospital in December 2021 while receiving COVID-19 treatment. He has consistently refuted claims of being Alahverdian or Rossi, instead asserting that he is an Irish orphan named Arthur Knight with no connections to the U.S.

Earlier in November 2022, Judge McFadyen determined that the man claiming to be Knight was indeed Alahverdian based on evidence presented, including fingerprints and tattoos. The judge expressed his confidence that “Mr. Knight is indeed Nicholas Rossi, the person sought for extradition by the United States,” ultimately siding with the American authorities.

Throughout the proceedings, the suspect has made headlines for his bizarre interviews and appearances alongside his wife. Expressing frustration with the media intrusion, he implored for privacy, revealing the immense physical challenges he faces. However, he vehemently maintains that he is not Nicholas Alahverdian and consistently asserts his innocence.

It is worth noting that U.S. authorities have always asserted that Rossi and Knight are aliases used by Alahverdian. The charges levied against him in the U.S. include identity theft, fraud, a sexual assault charge dating back to 2008 in Utah, and failing to register as a sex offender in Rhode Island.

Alahverdian rose to prominence as a vocal critic of Rhode Island’s Department of Children, Youth and Families, sharing his personal account of enduring sexual abuse and torture while in foster care. In 2020, he claimed to have been diagnosed with late-stage non-Hodgkin lymphoma and declared he had mere weeks to live. However, doubts arose surrounding his supposed demise, with the Rhode Island State Police, his former lawyer, and his former foster family raising suspicions.

Since his arrest in Scotland, the fugitive has fired several lawyers and vigorously maintained his innocence, persistently denying any association with Nicholas Alahverdian or Nicholas Rossi.

This ongoing saga captivates both those fascinated by true crime and individuals interested in high-stakes extradition cases. The decision by the Edinburgh Sheriff Court brings us one step closer to uncovering the truth behind this complex web of identities, allegations, and evasions.

Please note that all information presented above is based on the facts available at the time of writing and may be subject to updates and further investigation.