Former British Virgin Islands Premier Andrew Fahie has filed an attraction in the US Court docket of Appeals, searching for to overturn his conviction on cocaine trafficking and cash laundering costs.
Court docket information point out that Fahie is difficult each the decision and facets of the trial course of that led to his conviction in a U.S. federal courtroom. His authorized staff argues that key evidentiary and procedural points affected the end result of the case and needs to be reviewed on attraction.
Fahie was discovered responsible in February 2024 on a number of counts, together with conspiracy to import 5 kilograms or extra of cocaine into the US, conspiracy to commit cash laundering, tried cash laundering, and overseas journey in support of racketeering. The fees stemmed from a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) undercover operation focusing on alleged drug trafficking and corruption hyperlinks.
He was later sentenced to greater than 11 years in jail.
Prosecutors stated the previous premier agreed to facilitate drug shipments by the British Virgin Islands in trade for cost, following conferences with undercover brokers and a confidential informant. The case drew regional and worldwide consideration resulting from Fahie’s senior political place on the time of his arrest.
The attraction now locations the matter earlier than a better courtroom, which is able to overview the authorized arguments raised by the defence earlier than deciding whether or not the conviction or sentence needs to be upheld or reconsidered.
