London – Britain’s interior minister on Monday ordered the extradition to the United States of a man accused of hacking into thousands of US government computers.
Lauri Love, 31, faces three separate charges for allegedly hacking into the networks of the US Federal Reserve, US Army and NASA, among others, in 2012 and 2013. Interior Minister Amber Rudd paved the way for his extradition nearly two months after a British court ruled he could be sent for trial in the US.
“On Monday 14 November, the Secretary of State, having carefully considered all relevant matters, signed an order for Lauri Love’s extradition to the United States,” an interior ministry spokesperson said in a statement. “Mr Love has been charged with various computer hacking offences which included targeting US military and federal government agencies.”
Love has 14 days to appeal against the extradition order, the ministry told AFP.
He could face a lengthy prison term if convicted but does not risk being sentenced to death.
US prosecutors argue that Love disseminated the personal information of American citizens, including serving members of the military.
A judge granted the extradition request in September after considering issues including prison conditions and Love’s health.
Love argues he should face justice in Britain rather than the US and believes that his Asperger Syndrome condition would get worse if he was sent to an American prison.
