Fuller is charged with two counts of wire fraud and a charge of money laundering in the Eastern District of New York.
Briton $99M Wine Fraud Bid: Defense Arguments
Fuller, appearing via video link from Wandsworth prison in London, denies the allegations, claiming ignorance of Burton’s fraudulent activities.
Clare Montgomery KC of Matrix Chambers, Fuller’s counsel, argued that District Judge John Zani wrongly assessed the potential harm extradition could pose to Fuller’s mental health and his family’s well-being, particularly the significant risk of suicide if he is extradited.
Montgomery also contended that Judge Zani inaccurately determined the majority of the harm occurred in the U.S., whereas most victims reside outside the U.S., making England the more appropriate jurisdiction for any prosecution.
“The loss in the U.S. is less than $20 million,” Montgomery said. “It is at best 20-25% of the total loss.”
She emphasized High Court litigation brought against Bordeaux Wines by investors, arguing Judge Zani should have considered this when deciding the preferred jurisdiction.
