Nadir returns to face fraud charges 17 years after fleeing Britain

BUSINESSMAN Asil Nadir has flown back to Britain, 17 years after he fled while awaiting trial on theft charges stemming from the collapse of his Polly Peck business empire.

Nadir, who had been living in northern Cyprus, which has no extradition treaty with Britain, arrived at Luton Airport on a flight from Turkey. He was met by men who appeared to be immigration officials before being driven away escorted by a police car.

Nadir told reporters on the plane he hoped that the climate in Britain was now right for him to get a fair trial.