UK Court OKs Extradition Over Iran Missile Claims

Published January 13, 2012 11:18AM (EST)

LONDON (AP) — Britain's High Court says a retired businessman who allegedly plotted to sell missile components to Iran should be extradited to the United States.

U.S. authorities say Christopher Tappin offered in 2006 to sell specialized batteries for Hawk missiles for $25,000, not knowing that his contacts were undercover U.S. agents, not Iranians. Two other men have been jailed in Texas over the plot.

A judge ruled last year that 64-year-old Tappin should be extradited. He claims he was entrapped by FBI agents and challenged the decision.

But on Friday two judges upheld the earlier ruling.

Tappin said he is disappointed and will "consider all my options and do what I can to bring an end to this nightmare."

He faces up to 35 years in jail if convicted in the U.S.


By Salon Staff

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