George Hepburne-Scott acts for defendant in US extradition proceedings concerning alleged ‘hack-to-trade’ scheme
At Westminster Magistrates’ Court this week, George Hepburne-Scott, led by James Hines KC of Three Raymond Buildings (both instructed by Magdalena Motyl of Bark & Co Solicitors), appeared on behalf of Robert Westbrook – a British national facing extradition to the United States on computer-hacking charges.
The US government alleges that between January 2019 and February 2020, Mr Westbrook accessed the Microsoft 365 accounts of senior executives at five US-based companies, using the confidential information obtained to make securities trades totalling approximately $3.75 million in profit.
The prosecution case, described by US authorities as a “hack-to-trade” scheme, involves allegations of unauthorised access, password manipulation and the use of auto-forwarding rules to divert corporate emails.
George advanced arguments opposing extradition on several grounds, including territorial jurisdiction and Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, citing his client’s serious medical condition and the risk of inhuman or degrading treatment if detained in US custody.
The case also engages complex issues arising from the UK Supreme Court’s decision in El-Khouri v Government of the United States of America, which limits extradition for conduct occurring entirely within the UK.
The case was reported in Law360, 3 November 2025.
