Wife of jailed Azerbaijani banker detained in LondonNovember 7, 2018 - 10:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A woman who spent £16m at Harrods and became the subject of the UK's first Unexplained Wealth Order has been arrested and faces extradition. Zamira Hajiyeva, 55, is the wife of an ex-state banker who is serving a 15-year prison sentence for embezzlement in their home country of Azerbaijan, the BBC reports. Hajiyeva, who lives in a £15m house near the London store, became the first person to be served a UWO by the National Crime Agency last month. Her lawyers say she is no "fraudster". The UWO means she has to explain the origin of her fortune. It was revealed at Westminster Magistrates Court in London that Hajiyeva was arrested last week by officers from the Metropolitan Police acting on an extradition request from the authorities in the Azerbaijan capital, Baku. She faces two charges of embezzlement and has been been held in custody since giving herself up voluntarily last Tuesday. At a bail hearing, prosecutors argued that she should not be released, claiming she posed a flight risk. Her legal team argued that though she was clearly a "spendthrift", she was not "a fraudster" or likely to flee the country. Hugo Keith QC added that her children were based in the UK, where she has also lived for almost a decade having left Azerbaijan after surviving a violent kidnapping. Senior district judge Emma Arbuthnot agreed that Hajiyeva could be released on bail - if she pays £500,000 as a guarantee, stays at her home in Knightsbridge, does not travel outside the M25 and reports to police every day. But prosecutors immediately appealed, meaning she will remain in custody. The appeal hearing is expected to take place on Thursday at the High Court. Hajiyeva also remains under investigation by the NCA. Last week, the agency seized jewellery belonging to her family that was worth more than £400,000 and was due to be auctioned at Christie's auction house. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |