British pensioner...one of Americas Most Wanted?
Discussion
A British pensioner is under arrest in South Africa after being detained during a holiday, suspected of being one of America's most wanted criminals.
The family of Derek Bond, 72, said they believed he was the victim of mistaken identity when he was detained two weeks ago on suspicion of a telemarketing scam in the US.
But the FBI said it was continuing to carry out checks on Mr Bond and believed he was the wanted man.
Retired businessman Mr Bond, from Bristol, had flown to the country with his wife Audrey for a holiday when he was detained two weeks ago.
His son Peter, 45, of Peterborough, said that his father's health had deteriorated since his ordeal began and the family was growing increasingly concerned.
"We believe that he is the victim of an identity fraud where some person in the United States obtained details of his identity, including his passport number, and has used them for fraudulent purposes in the US."
He said Mr Bond had agreed to be extradited to the US on legal advice, in order to get the problem sorted out quickly, but he was still being held in Durban's main police station more than two weeks after being arrested.
Father-of-three Mr Bond was described as an upstanding member of his community and an active member of charitable organisations.
Peter Bond said that he was not clear exactly what crime his father was being accused of.
He said: "All we know is that it is to do with fraud. Certainly at this end we do not know the extent of the charges."
The family of Derek Bond, 72, said they believed he was the victim of mistaken identity when he was detained two weeks ago on suspicion of a telemarketing scam in the US.
But the FBI said it was continuing to carry out checks on Mr Bond and believed he was the wanted man.
Retired businessman Mr Bond, from Bristol, had flown to the country with his wife Audrey for a holiday when he was detained two weeks ago.
His son Peter, 45, of Peterborough, said that his father's health had deteriorated since his ordeal began and the family was growing increasingly concerned.
"We believe that he is the victim of an identity fraud where some person in the United States obtained details of his identity, including his passport number, and has used them for fraudulent purposes in the US."
He said Mr Bond had agreed to be extradited to the US on legal advice, in order to get the problem sorted out quickly, but he was still being held in Durban's main police station more than two weeks after being arrested.
Father-of-three Mr Bond was described as an upstanding member of his community and an active member of charitable organisations.
Peter Bond said that he was not clear exactly what crime his father was being accused of.
He said: "All we know is that it is to do with fraud. Certainly at this end we do not know the extent of the charges."
Well someone who had made millions from fraud probably would be quite good at claiming they were an innocent victim of mistaken identity. BUT did you hear the interview about this on Radio 4 this morning? They spoke to the FBI officer who said something like 'we haven't arrested just anyone you know - this guy is British and in his 70s, so he fits the descrption. I mean we didn't arrest someone in his 40s or anything'.
And it's taken them nearly 3 weeks to take his photo and send it to USA for positive identification (which they still don't have)
I have an open mind on whether the bloke is a goody or a baddy, but the evidence so far seems to be that he's a balding British man in his 70s. Better phone my Uncle John then, and warn him.....
And it's taken them nearly 3 weeks to take his photo and send it to USA for positive identification (which they still don't have) I have an open mind on whether the bloke is a goody or a baddy, but the evidence so far seems to be that he's a balding British man in his 70s. Better phone my Uncle John then, and warn him.....
What I find absolutely disgusting about this is how it took two weeks for the FBI to send someone to interview him. Even now as already mentioned they haven't confirmed his visual identity. This guys been living in Bristol for years, it's not like he's been on the run, if the FBI wanted him I'm sure Tony Blah would have had him arrested like a shot.
DAZ
PS - I have never met him but have many colleagues in Bristol who know him well. When I heard what has been going on last night I did a post which Ted withdrew, in hindsight a good thing, if it offended any of our American friends I apologise.
DAZ
PS - I have never met him but have many colleagues in Bristol who know him well. When I heard what has been going on last night I did a post which Ted withdrew, in hindsight a good thing, if it offended any of our American friends I apologise.
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