Suspect may be extradited over West Bromwich pizza shop owner murder
A man wanted for the murder of a pizza shop owner in the Black Country could finally be extradited to the UK later this year – two years on from his death.
Masoud Esmailian, 46, was found dead by police at his home in Montgomery Walk, West Bromwich, on August 30, 2015 after his son raised the alarm.
Now, 21-year-old Andrei Ilie, who fled the UK, could be extradited if released on patrol in Romania this September.
Ilie, who is serving a three-year prison sentence for two non-related matters, was first arrested on suspicion of murder in the Arges County of Romania in September 2015.
It was alleged that he had left the UK just days after Mr Esmailian's death and was known to him through 'helping him with his pizza business', an pre-inquest hearing at Black Country Coroners Court heard.
Speaking at the inquest, Detective Inspector Justin Spanner, from West Midlands Police homicide team, said that authorities would be put in place to 'collect and charge' Ilie once he is released.
DI Spanner explained: "In September 2015 we were granted an European Arrest Warrant, but it was discovered that Andrei Illie had been arrested and charged in Romania for two other matters.
"A letter of request was also written to Romanian authorities.
"But because he was kept in under their laws and provisions we were unable to interview him.
"We applied for temporary transfer but this was refused by the Romanian authorities."
A letter of request could allow UK personnel to travel to an overseas state in order to conduct enquiries.
DI Spanner continued: "Ilie is due in front of patrol board this September, then we would be able to collect him.
"If he is not let out on patrol then it will be September 2018 that he will finish his sentence.
"Either way authorities would be put in place to collect him and charge him upon release."
A post mortem had taken place which had confirmed the cause of death was a stab wound to the chest.
The inquest was also told that Mr Esmailian had employed a number of workers of Romanian origin.
Senior Coroner Zafar Siddique adjourned the inquest for a further update until October.
He said he would also be writing a letter of request if Ilie was not released on patrol.
In a statement released by Mr Esmailian's family at the time of his death, it said he was 'a caring, loving person who always thought of others before himself'.
