US Fugitive Nicholas Rossi Faces Rape Trial in Utah After Scotland Extradition

Nicholas Rossi, also known as Nicholas Alahverdian and Arthur Knight, is on trial in Utah for rape allegations stemming from relationships in 2008. He was extradited from Scotland in January 2024 after authorities discovered he had faked his own death in 2020 and lived in the UK under an alias, claiming mistaken identity. The prosecution alleges Rossi engaged in a rapid courtship, becoming engaged within weeks, but then turned controlling and abusive, culminating in rape. The alleged victim testified to Rossi’s controlling behavior and recounted the assault, while the defense argues the case is incomplete and the accuser's story has changed over time. Rossi had previously denied any connection to Utah and claimed to be an Irish orphan but ultimately admitted his real identity under oath. He was arrested in a Glasgow hospital after staff recognized him from an Interpol notice, and his complicated past includes a history of fraud investigations and a faked death.