27 May 2023 , 19:09
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A footballer accused of taking part in a £750,000 jewellery heist in Japan faces being extradited to stand trial.
Kaine Wright, 26, was a youth team player with Premier League sides West Ham United and Brentford FC before moving to Major League Soccer in America.
Japanese authorities allege he and two accomplices carried out a violent robbery at the upmarket Harry Winston jewellers in Tokyo in November 2015. At the time, the haul of more than 40 luxury necklaces and watches was valued at £750,000.
Prosecutors claim one raider punched a security guard in the face. The gang is said to have fled Japan two days after the robbery.
The scene of the Tokyo jewellery heist (Getty Images)Wright, a midfielder who described himself as a “technical” player, represented England in the Socca six-a-side World Cup in 2019.
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He also played in front of Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain ace Neymar Jr in the footballer’s Five World Finals competition in 2017.
In the year of the alleged robbery, Wright was being pursued by several Premier clubs.
A coach told a newspaper at the time: “We believe Kaine has the ability to make it.”
In April 2018, Wright was subject to an extradition request made by Japan in relation to the robbery. He was identified as a suspect alongside Joseph Chappell, 36, and a man of 45 who cannot be named for legal reasons.
The footballer in a six-a-side contest for EnglandJapanese authorities have charged Wright with conspiracy to rob and theft.
The men’s case has been listed at least 20 times at Westminster magistrates court as lawyers battle over Japan’s extradition request.
There is currently no extradition treaty between the UK and Japan – which has a 99% conviction rate in criminal trials.
Wright was bailed by UK police in October 2021 and currently lives in Woolwich, South East London.
He is subject to bail conditions including reporting to the local police station twice a week. A final extradition hearing date is yet to be set by the court.