Thanks for responding to my questions lauriej. It's often difficult for me to understand what the legal principles are in the US.
The Aust government certainly would extradite AB to the US for Zahra's case if he refused to return (if he was allowed to return to Aust before the trial). One valid reason I think they'd prefer to find ways to keep him on-site, and behind bars until trial is that the cost would be considerably less than the extradition avenue. Makes sense.
I think you're right about LE having an ace up their sleeve to keep him in the US. Your theory makes perfect sense. He had, I gather, sorted out his debts for the bad cheques, and had voiced his desire to get his passport back to return to Aust ... so this was, as you suggest, perfect timing by LE. Curious that they can keep charges up their sleeve ... but as I say I don't understand how the system works.
Noetic's comment about ongoing investigation – don't get me wrong, I wasn't disputing the accuracy of that, just trying to understand it. I thought that once the material was handed over to the defense that there were issues with introducing new evidence. I do recall that some time back I (and others) asked if the investigation was still ongoing by FBI & SBI, but I never saw replies confirming this - I presumed that once the case went to court & evidence was turned over to the defense that this was final. Apparently not. Q - do they have up till trial to build on existing evidence or is it only to introduce new info? If the defense is causing disruption with the "I cant read the CDs" claim, then how are they going to react if new material is introduced? Do they extend the case again over and again? I guess they'd have to if justice is to be maintained.
I honestly wouldn't be surprised if there are more charges to be laid against AB. If they can hold on to them until needed, they'll just keep them in store. I also think Noetic's hunch about future charges is probably pretty accurate (I've no clue about the specifics though). I've also always felt there were more people involved (and have stated that many times) and that much more sinister issues laid below the surface. I've never been able to work out who or what though, as that info just isn't within my grasp. I was shocked when the LE declared that it was EB alone who acted. Very odd IMO.
I'm still super curious about that claim about a new warrant being released. I'll try and hunt down the comment and repost it here so people can investigate further.
