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Ralph Blewitt faces extradition over AWU ‘slush fund’ fraud.

Detectives investigating the Australian Workers Union slush fund fraud have warned a key suspect that he could be extradited to face charges, prompting Ralph Blewitt to reaffirm he will return to Australia if requested by police.
Mr Blewitt — who admits to his role in the AWU affair that embroiled Julia Gillard during her time as prime minister — travelled from his home in Malaysia to meet members of Victoria Police’s fraud squad this month.
He has told The Australian that during that meeting, lead investigator Detective Sergeant Ross Mitchell told him he might be extradited shortly to face criminal charges relating to the AWU Reform Association fund established by Ms Gillard’s former boyfriend, then union boss Bruce Wilson.
Mr Blewitt wrote to Mr Mitchell this week reiterating his willingness to co-operate with police, more than three years after the investigation began, and seeking confirmation he would not be extradited. “At every stage of the police investigation, I have volunteered to come forward on my own initiative and at my own expense,” he wrote.
“You just say when and where and I will return to Australia at my own expense and in plenty of time to assist police further.”
Mr Blewitt said he was concerned an extradition process would impede his ability to live in Malaysia with his wife.
Ms Gillard, who has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, provided legal advice to help Mr Wilson establish an association she later described to her Slater & Gordon bosses as a “slush fund”.
Details of the meeting between Mr Blewitt and Mr Mitchell indicate the AWU investigation remains alive, although Victoria Police has ceded control to its West Australian counterpart.
It is nearly two years since royal commissioner Dyson Heydon recommended Mr Wilson and Mr Blewitt face prosecution for fraud-related offences connected to the slush fund.
When asked to comment on the investigation’s progress and whether Mr Blewitt would face extradition, a Victoria Police spokeswoman referred The Australian to West Australian authorities. “Victoria Police has provided Western Australia police with all relevant material in regards to this investigation,” she said.
“It is being reviewed by them and all inquiries regarding the investigation should be directed to Western Australia police.”
WA police did not comment by deadline last night.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/nat...d/news-story/ecfa62cfcb270e5ecc4df8499306f0e5