Years-long extradition process could be ahead for Huawei’s Meng Wanzhou

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Accused of conspiring to violate U.S. sanctions on Iran, Meng is now preparing for a long extradition process with a BC Supreme Court judge saying the case could take months, or even years.

Making her first appearance since the U.S. formally requested her extradition on Monday, Tuesday’s appearance was largely procedural, with the judge allowing Meng to change one bail surety for another.

RELATED: Trudeau gov’t weighs in after U.S. formally charges, requests extradition of Huawei CFO Meng

As for what’s next the judge told Meng she must be back in court for March. Justice Minister David Lametti has to sign off before her extradition hearing can proceed.

“The justice minister may look at everything and decide it’s too politicized to continue,” Lawyer Richard Kurland, who is not involved with the case but provided input outside Vancouver’s BC Supreme Court. “The American president has weighted in suggesting this extradition case is nothing more than a pawn game in a trade negotiation with China beginning tomorrow.”

WATCH: Huawei’s Meng Wanzhou leaves Vancouver home for court appearance

 

The arrest and extradition request for Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou triggered the tense diplomatic dispute with China.

On his way into cabinet on Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his government is focused on fulfilling international and treaty obligations, as well as making sure that the rule of law is consistently and integrily applied.

The U.S. Department of Justice laid out its case Monday against Meng Wanzhou and Huawei, unsealing 13 criminal counts of conspiracy, fraud and obstruction.

Meng, who is the company’s chief financial officer and daughter of its founder, is charged with bank fraud, wire fraud and two counts of conspiracy to commit both.

-With files from Cormac MacSweeny and The Canadian Press 

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