Kweku Adoboli, the former UBS trader convicted of causing a $2.3bn (£1.8bn) loss in 2011, has been detained by the Home Office as preparations for his deportation to Ghana begin. Adoboli, 38, was jailed in 2012 for fraud, the largest in UK history, and released after serving half of his seven-year sentence.
Adoboli, who has lived in the UK since the age of four and describes himself as British, was detained during a routine check-in at a police station in Livingston, Scotland. He was taken to Dungavel immigration removal centre. Foreign nationals sentenced to more than four years are automatically considered for deportation unless compelling reasons to stay are shown.
A letter from Home Office minister Caroline Nokes confirmed the government's intention to deport him to Ghana, his country of birth. Adoboli has appealed to Home Secretary Sajid Javid, citing his longstanding ties to the UK and his work educating students about financial compliance since his release.
His solicitor, Jacqueline McKenzie, called the situation unfair, noting that Adoboli grew up in the UK. A court recently denied him permission for a judicial review and granted the Home Office the right to deport him even if he renews his application. His MP, Hannah Bardell, has also appealed, but Nokes stated the Home Office's actions were proportionate.
Adoboli has launched a CrowdJustice campaign to fund legal bills. His friend Nick Hopewell-Smith described the deportation as inhumane, saying Adoboli already served a severe sentence for mistakes made on behalf of his employer. A Home Office spokesperson said more than 42,800 foreign offenders have been removed since 2010.
