Original subtitles

This programme contains strong language as well as references to child and sexual abuse and rape

This programme contains strong language as well as references to child and sexual abuse and rape

This programme contains strong language as well as references to child and sexual abuse and rape

When I come up here and look over this whole valley

When I come up here and look over this whole valley

and I realise that every bad thing that happens

and I realise that every bad thing that happens

ends up on my desk,

ends up on my desk,

it's overwhelming.

Because I realise that

Because I realise that

every now and again there's going to be a Nicholas Rossi that turns up.

every now and again there's going to be a Nicholas Rossi that turns up.

Nicholas Rossi poses a danger to anyone

Nicholas Rossi poses a danger to anyone

with whom he interacts.

with whom he interacts.

It didn't matter what he was going to do to me,

I wasn't going to give up.

I was watching television.

The news came on.

I can't say this enough, how bizarre this next story is.

I can't say this enough, how bizarre this next story is.

The latest in the saga of a Rhode Island man whom

The latest in the saga of a Rhode Island man whom

investigators say faked his death and fled the country.

investigators say faked his death and fled the country.

He faked his own death in Rhode Island just two years ago.

He faked his own death in Rhode Island just two years ago.

I just couldn't believe it and I went,

I just couldn't believe it and I went,

I said "That's my Nicky." I said, "Oh, my God!"

I said "That's my Nicky." I said, "Oh, my God!"

I said "That's my Nicky." I said, "Oh, my God!"

So, how was he able to fake his own death?

So, how was he able to fake his own death?

"That's my Nicky."

Investigators believe that's just one

of many crimes Rossi has committed.

of many crimes Rossi has committed.

"That's my Nicky, that's my boy, that's my son."

"That's my Nicky, that's my boy, that's my son."

This picture here, he was about, I guess,

This picture here, he was about, I guess,

11, 12 maybe and he was in a treatment centre,

11, 12 maybe and he was in a treatment centre,

11, 12 maybe and he was in a treatment centre,

sitting on my motorcycle.

Why is he in a treatment centre? His behaviour.

Why is he in a treatment centre? His behaviour.

Wicked behaviour, couldn't control him.

Wicked behaviour, couldn't control him.

It was a good day. I used to go every Sunday and bring him food.

It was a good day. I used to go every Sunday and bring him food.

And I'd stay with him for about an hour or so.

And I'd stay with him for about an hour or so.

Walk around the grounds, talk.

Walk around the grounds, talk.

"Dad I don't like it here. "Dad, bring me home."

"Dad I don't like it here. "Dad, bring me home."

And I'd give him a hug and I'd leave there

and I'd cry all the way home cos I couldn't bring him home.

and I'd cry all the way home cos I couldn't bring him home.

It makes me sad.

I didn't bother with him for years.

I was told he was dead.

He faked his own death to escape prosecution

He faked his own death to escape prosecution

related to several charges.

related to several charges.

We are just beginning to know some of

We are just beginning to know some of

the details about this man

and my guess is we'll be shocked when we learn more.

and my guess is we'll be shocked when we learn more.

I said, "What the hell did he do?!"

I said, "What the hell did he do?!"

Rossi's believed to have lived under several different aliases.

Rossi's believed to have lived under several different aliases.

Nicholas Rossi and maybe now Arthur Knight.

Nicholas Rossi and maybe now Arthur Knight.

The man who allegedly faked his own death

The man who allegedly faked his own death

was apprehended alive in Scotland.

was apprehended alive in Scotland.

This is a real break in a difficult case.

This is a real break in a difficult case.

I saw the police there. Why are they there?

I saw the police there. Why are they there?

And they-they-they-they-they are...

And they-they-they-they-they are...

Can I speak to Miranda for a second?

PHONE BEEPS

I... I feel shell-shocked at the moment.

I... I feel shell-shocked at the moment.

I feel utterly shell-shocked

because I don't understand what has happened today.

because I don't understand what has happened today.

What happened at the hospital, Miranda?

What happened at the hospital, Miranda?

The police pushed me out of the room.

The police pushed me out of the room.

I couldn't stay with my ill husband.

I couldn't stay with my ill husband.

I didn't know what was going to happen to him

I didn't know what was going to happen to him

and he was being wheeled off to the police station,

and he was being wheeled off to the police station,

arrested, and I just sat there, weeping.

arrested, and I just sat there, weeping.

arrested, and I just sat there, weeping.

We were just such a normal couple before this all happened.

We were just such a normal couple before this all happened.

We love the National Trust, we enjoy cocktails,

We love the National Trust, we enjoy cocktails,

you know, just enjoying the best that life has

you know, just enjoying the best that life has

because we both know that life is really short.

because we both know that life is really short.

What's he actually been accused of?

What's he actually been accused of?

They say that he is a fugitive from America.

They say that he is a fugitive from America.

They say that he is a fugitive from America.

They say that he is a fugitive from America.

Um, as I say that,

Um, as I say that,

that is what they claim him to be

that is what they claim him to be

and I really struggle with that term

and I really struggle with that term

because he is not a fugitive.

because he is not a fugitive.

My husband is not American,

My husband is not American,

he's never been to the States,

he's never been to the States,

he doesn't have a passport. He is not Nicholas Rossi.

he doesn't have a passport. He is not Nicholas Rossi.

I got a call from my news desk in London and they said,

I got a call from my news desk in London and they said,

"Wow, we've got the most extraordinary story for you.

"Wow, we've got the most extraordinary story for you.

"It's about a guy who's faked his own death,

"It's about a guy who's faked his own death,

"who's become a fugitive from justice.

"who's become a fugitive from justice.

"He's one of America's most wanted. He's fled across the Atlantic

"He's one of America's most wanted. He's fled across the Atlantic

"and he's turned up in a hospital in Glasgow."

"and he's turned up in a hospital in Glasgow."

He was on a ventilator with Covid. The cops are looming over him.

He was on a ventilator with Covid. The cops are looming over him.

He was on a ventilator with Covid. The cops are looming over him.

They said, "You're an international fugitive, you're nicked."

They said, "You're an international fugitive, you're nicked."

CARD BEEPS

They said that he was also claimed to be

They said that he was also claimed to be

a master of disguise and deception.

a master of disguise and deception.

He went by up to 16 different names...

He went by up to 16 different names...

..including Nicholas Alahverdian,

..including Nicholas Alahverdian,

Nicholas Rossi,

Nicholas Rossi,

Nicholas Brown,

Nicholas Brown,

Nick Allen...

..and, of course, Arthur Knight.

My news desk said to me,

"Get to the bottom of this story, start investigating,

"Get to the bottom of this story, start investigating,

"find out who this guy is."

So, the place where they know everything is the pub.

So, the place where they know everything is the pub.

So, the place where they know everything is the pub.

Of all the bars in all the world, he had to walk into mine.

Of all the bars in all the world, he had to walk into mine.

Of all the bars in all the world, he had to walk into mine.

So, he was a kind of bizarre looking character when he came in,

So, he was a kind of bizarre looking character when he came in,

you know? Sort of preppy dressed, chinos,

you know? Sort of preppy dressed, chinos,

cravat, fedora hat. Old-fashioned '20s,

cravat, fedora hat. Old-fashioned '20s,

cravat, fedora hat. Old-fashioned '20s,

'30s gangster hat.

You know, maybe Humphrey Bogart would wear that type of thing,

You know, maybe Humphrey Bogart would wear that type of thing,

you know. I kind of got the feeling he was trying

to make out that he was of old money, bit eccentric.

to make out that he was of old money, bit eccentric.

to make out that he was of old money, bit eccentric.

He was maybe only in half a dozen times.

He was maybe only in half a dozen times.

And what did he say his name was?

And what did he say his name was?

Er, just introduced himself as Arthur Knight,

Er, just introduced himself as Arthur Knight,

and he was up here lecturing.

and he was up here lecturing.

I can remember coming in from the cash and carry.

I can remember coming in from the cash and carry.

I'd picked up some stock

and picked up a tub of coronation chicken

and picked up a tub of coronation chicken

and some wraps for my lunch.

He was, you know, sitting quite close by,

He was, you know, sitting quite close by,

I could see him salivating and asked him,

I could see him salivating and asked him,

"Do you want a coronation chicken wrap?"

"Do you want a coronation chicken wrap?"

And he didn't know what it was.

And he didn't know what it was.

I mean, anybody in the UK should really know

I mean, anybody in the UK should really know

what coronation chicken is. I mean, let's be honest.

what coronation chicken is. I mean, let's be honest.

Just thought, posh boy. You know, never been to a buffet.

Just thought, posh boy. You know, never been to a buffet.

Who is Arthur Knight?

Who is Arthur Knight?

Arthur Knight, Nicholas Rossi... Who knows?

Arthur Knight, Nicholas Rossi... Who knows?

A man of mystery.

The man claiming to be Arthur Knight,

The man claiming to be Arthur Knight,

he was allowed to remain free after his initial arrest.

he was allowed to remain free after his initial arrest.

Last night, he was released on bail.

Last night, he was released on bail.

Arthur Knight is now on bail with his bail conditions,

Arthur Knight is now on bail with his bail conditions,

set by the Scottish Sheriff...

I didn't want to speak to the press.

I didn't want to speak to the press.

Arthur didn't want to speak to the press.

Arthur didn't want to speak to the press.

Um, and then, we felt if we didn't start saying something,

Um, and then, we felt if we didn't start saying something,

Um, and then, we felt if we didn't start saying something,

then we wouldn't get our part of the story across.

then we wouldn't get our part of the story across.

And Marc, he's worked for The Times,

And Marc, he's worked for The Times,

I think it's sort of something like 20 years,

I think it's sort of something like 20 years,

so he's very experienced and, you know,

so he's very experienced and, you know,

when we invited him into our home...

when we invited him into our home...

That's a big deal, you know,

That's a big deal, you know,

if you think about it, to invite a journalist into your home.

if you think about it, to invite a journalist into your home.

I got an email from Arthur Knight.

I got an email from Arthur Knight.

He said that he had a story to tell,

He said that he had a story to tell,

he would prove his innocence, that he was the

he would prove his innocence, that he was the

victim of a monstrous miscarriage of justice.

victim of a monstrous miscarriage of justice.

KNOCKS ON DOOR

This is an individual who's wanted by the FBI.

This is an individual who's wanted by the FBI.

He is accused of very serious crimes

He is accused of very serious crimes

and I'm going to meet him face-to-face.

I'm not going to lie, I was nervous, really nervous.

I'm not going to lie, I was nervous, really nervous.

DOOR OPENS, DOG YAPS AND BARKS

DOOR OPENS, DOG YAPS AND BARKS

Oscar!

My eyes are everywhere. I can't take in what I'm seeing.

My eyes are everywhere. I can't take in what I'm seeing.

It's a surreal sight.

YAP, GROWL AND A BARK

YAP, GROWL AND A BARK

You've got Toby the beagle,

who is being chased by Oscar, the toy poodle.

who is being chased by Oscar, the toy poodle.

Toby... Oscar!

He's nipping at my leg, he's drawing blood.

He's nipping at my leg, he's drawing blood.

Miranda is trying to separate the two of them.

Miranda is trying to separate the two of them.

The whole scene is absolute chaos.

The whole scene is absolute chaos.

So he's had the snip.

So he's had the snip.

The door creaks open,

The door creaks open,

there's Miranda wheeling Arthur through

there's Miranda wheeling Arthur through

and then decants him into this throne-like armchair.

and then decants him into this throne-like armchair.

I'm trying to say hello to him, but I can't hear anything.

I'm trying to say hello to him, but I can't hear anything.

All I can hear is him breathing.

VENTILLATOR BREATHING

He looked like a cross between Orson Welles,

He looked like a cross between Orson Welles,

Henry VIII,

and the character from the film Blue Velvet, with

and the character from the film Blue Velvet, with

the oxygen mask. It was really, really weird.

the oxygen mask. It was really, really weird.

So where-where were you born, Arthur?

Where?

Yeah, but whereabouts?

Dublin. Your parents? What happened to them?

Dublin. Your parents? What happened to them?

And you left Ireland and came to the UK when you were a young person?

And you left Ireland and came to the UK when you were a young person?

And you left Ireland and came to the UK when you were a young person?

14? Wow!

It's an extraordinary back story.

It's an extraordinary back story.

Arthur claims that he grew up in some grim orphanage.

Arthur claims that he grew up in some grim orphanage.

He and a bunch of other lads said

they're not going to take this anymore,

they felt badly treated. They made a break for freedom,

they felt badly treated. They made a break for freedom,

they somehow escaped from this institution,

they somehow escaped from this institution,

somehow made it on a boat

and then suddenly they ended up in England.

and then suddenly they ended up in England.

they made their way to London

they made their way to London

and he lived this Dickensian lifestyle.

and he lived this Dickensian lifestyle.

And how did you survive in London when you were a 14-year-old kid?

And how did you survive in London when you were a 14-year-old kid?

Selling stuff at the market?

Selling stuff at the market?

Yeah.

Did you keep in contact with any of the guys that you used work with?

Did you keep in contact with any of the guys that you used work with?

"They have all succumbed to the lure of the streets."

"They have all succumbed to the lure of the streets."

So therefore, nobody could back up his story. My mind is racing,

So therefore, nobody could back up his story. My mind is racing,

just to take it in...

..and then beside him he's got this plausible,

..and then beside him he's got this plausible,

reasonable woman, who's saying the most loving things.

reasonable woman, who's saying the most loving things.

It makes me feel like I want to protect him.

It makes me feel like I want to protect him.

Yeah.And look after him.

Yeah.And look after him.

You know, I love him and, you know, think the world of him. Yeah.

You know, I love him and, you know, think the world of him. Yeah.

You know, I love him and, you know, think the world of him. Yeah.

And that we're very much in love.

I mean, we're sort of two-year-old newlyweds.

I mean, we're sort of two-year-old newlyweds.

Sure.

Yeah.

She is a wife who appears to be utterly devoted

She is a wife who appears to be utterly devoted

to her husband.

There seemed to be a genuine love there, a genuine romance.

There seemed to be a genuine love there, a genuine romance.

There seemed to be a genuine love there, a genuine romance.

It is tremendously hard.

It is tremendously hard.

Yeah.To live this and to

Yeah.To live this and to

think what other people think of you,

think what other people think of you,

what our neighbours think about me. Yeah.

what our neighbours think about me. Yeah.

Didn't want to open up the blinds and then over time,

Didn't want to open up the blinds and then over time,

I started to think, "We haven't done anything wrong."

I started to think, "We haven't done anything wrong."

No."Why should we hide?"

Eventually he let me film him on my phone.

Eventually he let me film him on my phone.

What would you say to people that think that you are guilty?

What would you say to people that think that you are guilty?

I would say that...

Authorities in the US want to extradite Nicholas Rossi.

Authorities in the US want to extradite Nicholas Rossi.

The identity of a man facing extradition to

The identity of a man facing extradition to

the United States is to be dealt with when

the United States is to be dealt with when

the case returns to court in May.

I'm an extradition lawyer, working in Scotland.

I'm an extradition lawyer, working in Scotland.

I am what you would call a fat fish in a very small pond.

I am what you would call a fat fish in a very small pond.

Arthur Knight clearly believes that people are conspiring

Arthur Knight clearly believes that people are conspiring

Arthur Knight clearly believes that people are conspiring

to make him look like an American fugitive.

to make him look like an American fugitive.

He couldn't be more clear that this is a case of mistaken identity

He couldn't be more clear that this is a case of mistaken identity

He couldn't be more clear that this is a case of mistaken identity

and that any evidence against him has been deliberately fabricated

and that any evidence against him has been deliberately fabricated

to make him look like somebody who he is not.

to make him look like somebody who he is not.

to make him look like somebody who he is not.

Wait, wait.

He says he is not Nicholas Rossi,

He says he is not Nicholas Rossi,

he is Arthur Knight and that they have arrested the wrong man.

he is Arthur Knight and that they have arrested the wrong man.

Can you help, please?

I need oxygen.

How sick did he seem?

Throughout the time that I met him,

Throughout the time that I met him,

throughout the time I've spoken to him on the telephone,

throughout the time I've spoken to him on the telephone,

he always had a mask on,

he always had a mask on,

which was connected to an oxygen tank

which was connected to an oxygen tank

and that he says that he requires that in order

and that he says that he requires that in order

to be able to breathe adequately.

I can't... I can't breathe. No, I'm not on any oxygen.

I can't... I can't breathe. No, I'm not on any oxygen.

He seems to me very unwell.

He is a natural publicity-seeker.

He is a natural publicity-seeker.

It would be my advice to anybody,

It would be my advice to anybody,

never to turn your case into a media circus.

never to turn your case into a media circus.

It won't help you.

Did Arthur follow that advice?

And this is my wife, Miranda Knight.

And this is my wife, Miranda Knight.

Arthur Knight seems to want as much attention as he can possibly get.

Arthur Knight seems to want as much attention as he can possibly get.

Arthur Knight seems to want as much attention as he can possibly get.

Arthur Knight seems to want as much attention as he can possibly get.

I'm Arthur Knight and this is my wife,

I'm Arthur Knight and this is my wife,

Miranda Knight.

We have a lasting, loving marriage.

We have a lasting, loving marriage.

I couldn't turn down an opportunity to appear on your programme.

I couldn't turn down an opportunity to appear on your programme.

I couldn't turn down an opportunity to appear on your programme.

We were once a normal family but thanks to the media,

We were once a normal family but thanks to the media,

We were once a normal family but thanks to the media,

our lives have been interrupted

our lives have been interrupted

and we'd like privacy

and I would like to go back to being a normal husband.

and I would like to go back to being a normal husband.

and I would like to go back to being a normal husband.

But I can't because I can't breathe,

But I can't because I can't breathe,

I can't walk.

People say that's an act. Let me try to stand up.

People say that's an act. Let me try to stand up.

No, no... Let me try to stand up. Oh! Exactly. Please... Exactly.

No, no... Let me try to stand up. Oh! Exactly. Please... Exactly.

No, no... Let me try to stand up. Oh! Exactly. Please... Exactly.

OK.

OK.

I have five boys now, um,

I have five boys now, um,

and I always called him my sixth son back then, you know.

and I always called him my sixth son back then, you know.

I connected very closely to Nick. I mean, we were like this.

I connected very closely to Nick. I mean, we were like this.

He came up to me and he introduced himself.

He came up to me and he introduced himself.

You know, the greasy, pimply-faced type kid,

You know, the greasy, pimply-faced type kid,

roughly 14 years old.

He was a page almost two years up at the State House.

He was a page almost two years up at the State House.

He was a page almost two years up at the State House.

Very respectful, used all his manners, "Yes, sir, no, sir,

Very respectful, used all his manners, "Yes, sir, no, sir,

"How are you, rep? How are you, rep?"

If you needed a drink, he'd get you a drink.

You need something out of your car,

he'd go get it out of your car for you, give him the keys to your car.

he'd go get it out of your car for you, give him the keys to your car.

And he'd sneak around the State House

and go into committee rooms.

He was very alert of the Bills that were being passed.

He was very alert of the Bills that were being passed.

I mean, 14, 15 years old he'd read a bill.

I mean, 14, 15 years old he'd read a bill.

Some of the reps didn't even read the bills.

Some of the reps didn't even read the bills.

He was like a mini politician.

He was like a mini politician.

I was impressed, we were all impressed at the State House.

I was impressed, we were all impressed at the State House.

He stuck out like nobody.

Jeez, it had everything.

Systemic failure,

a bright, struggling kid, working against the system,

a bright, struggling kid, working against the system,

rather than within it.

He was just a good story.

He wanted to use me, in a way.

He wanted to use me, in a way.

He wanted to use me to get his story out.

He wanted to use me to get his story out.

Get the story out of these kids,

who really had no say in their existence,

who really had no say in their existence,

and he wanted me to tell about DCYF.

and he wanted me to tell about DCYF.

DCYF is the Department of Children, Youth and Families,

DCYF is the Department of Children, Youth and Families,

it's where kids would end up when their families couldn't give them

it's where kids would end up when their families couldn't give them

the proper care.

the proper care.

And he really never had a stable home life,

as far as I could tell. So, he went into the system.

as far as I could tell. So, he went into the system.

And got involved in a crazy thing called Night to Night Placement.

And got involved in a crazy thing called Night to Night Placement.

And got involved in a crazy thing called Night to Night Placement.

These kids would be picked up in the morning at

These kids would be picked up in the morning at

a particular place where they had crashed,

a particular place where they had crashed,

and taken down to an office to spend the day

and taken down to an office to spend the day

and then that night, they might go to a different place.

and then that night, they might go to a different place.

You were sleeping on a couch, or you're sleeping in a bed.

You were sleeping on a couch, or you're sleeping in a bed.

The potential for some pretty ugly situations was there.

The potential for some pretty ugly situations was there.

He was kind of left to the wolves in a lot of ways, he really was.

He was kind of left to the wolves in a lot of ways, he really was.

We did worry about him. You know, he opened up to us

We did worry about him. You know, he opened up to us

about how he was being sexually assaulted,

about how he was being sexually assaulted,

abused, kicked, punched in childcare services.

abused, kicked, punched in childcare services.

abused, kicked, punched in childcare services.

Scratch on his face, bruises on his arms.

Scratch on his face, bruises on his arms.

We believed every word he said.

What 14-year-old child would say that he was being abused,

What 14-year-old child would say that he was being abused,

the way he claimed he was being tortured and abused?

the way he claimed he was being tortured and abused?

I put him in the Providence Journal.

It forced questions on people that needed to take

It forced questions on people that needed to take

a look at the way he was treated.

That was a big springboard, I think, for him.

That was a big springboard, I think, for him.

The Department of Children Youth and Families is

The Department of Children Youth and Families is

a fundamentally flawed governmental agency that needs

a fundamentally flawed governmental agency that needs

to be overseen by the state.

Kids and teenagers and adolescents,

Kids and teenagers and adolescents,

people who are in the shoes that I was in ten years ago,

people who are in the shoes that I was in ten years ago,

would not have a chance at being successful.

would not have a chance at being successful.

Nick had a legitimate cause...

..based on what he had been through,

to make a better life for kids in the system.

to make a better life for kids in the system.

I'm happy, er, to...

I'm happy, er, to...

I think he had a real flair for promoting his cause, he really did.

I think he had a real flair for promoting his cause, he really did.

He loved the Kennedys and he reminded me of a Bobby Kennedy.

He loved the Kennedys and he reminded me of a Bobby Kennedy.

He loved the Kennedys and he reminded me of a Bobby Kennedy.

Nice foster homes or tantamount to Guantanamo Bay or Abu Ghraib,

Nice foster homes or tantamount to Guantanamo Bay or Abu Ghraib,

Nice foster homes or tantamount to Guantanamo Bay or Abu Ghraib,

and that's probably an understatement, is unacceptable,

and that's probably an understatement, is unacceptable,

unconstitutional and disgusting. It is repulsive.

unconstitutional and disgusting. It is repulsive.

I valued Nick as a guy who had survived

I valued Nick as a guy who had survived

a horrible system and had the potential to do good things.

a horrible system and had the potential to do good things.

a horrible system and had the potential to do good things.

I cannot recount the amount of support that I received

I cannot recount the amount of support that I received

for the legislation...

We pat him on the back, we said "Nick,

"you're going to be something one day.

"You're either going to be an attorney, a prosecutor,

"You're either going to be an attorney, a prosecutor,

"a governor," cos he had great charisma.

"a governor," cos he had great charisma.

I felt the love for Nick. He was in my heart,

I felt the love for Nick. He was in my heart,

he really was.

I wanted this kid in my home.

Have him be my son, baseball, Florida, Disney.

Have him be my son, baseball, Florida, Disney.

Have him be my son, baseball, Florida, Disney.

And my wife and I had several conversations about adopting Nick.

And my wife and I had several conversations about adopting Nick.

And my wife and I had several conversations about adopting Nick.

So he called me one day from Family Court

So he called me one day from Family Court

and he said to me,

"Rep," he says, "you have to adopt me,

"Rep," he says, "you have to adopt me,

"you have to adopt me today.

"It's so important that you adopt me today,

"It's so important that you adopt me today,

"today, today, today."

I said, "Nick, explain to me what's going on."

He goes, "I can't, you just have to come down here and adopt me cos if

He goes, "I can't, you just have to come down here and adopt me cos if

"not, you'll never see me again."

I ran down to the court house, Nick comes running up to me,

I ran down to the court house, Nick comes running up to me,

bear hugging me, and he kept saying, "They're trying to get rid of me,

bear hugging me, and he kept saying, "They're trying to get rid of me,

"they're trying to get rid of me."

I said, "Who's trying to get rid of you?"

I said, "Who's trying to get rid of you?"

"The state of Rhode Island's trying to get rid of me."

"The state of Rhode Island's trying to get rid of me."

He says, "We have to go upstairs and see the chief judge,

He says, "We have to go upstairs and see the chief judge,

"Jeremiah Jeremiah." He looks like a heavyweight champion.

"Jeremiah Jeremiah." He looks like a heavyweight champion.

Nick right away, starts defending himself,

Nick right away, starts defending himself,

putting his case on. "Rep Coogan's adopting me,

putting his case on. "Rep Coogan's adopting me,

"they've got a beautiful home," and he's putting his case on.

"they've got a beautiful home," and he's putting his case on.

Finally, the judge says, "Nick, wait outside."

Finally, the judge says, "Nick, wait outside."

He says, "Rep, what are you doing?" I said, "We're going to adopt Nick,

He says, "Rep, what are you doing?" I said, "We're going to adopt Nick,

"you know." He goes, "How well do you know him?"

"you know." He goes, "How well do you know him?"

I said, "I think I know him pretty well."

I said, "I think I know him pretty well."

I said, "I think the kid's all right." And the judge says,

I said, "I think the kid's all right." And the judge says,

"You're not going to adopt him, he's getting shipped out."

"You're not going to adopt him, he's getting shipped out."

I said "Judge, he's been assaulted, he's been abused,

"he's got bruises, he's got choke marks,

"he's got cuts on his face," and he said,

"Representative Coogan, those are all self-inflicted.

"Representative Coogan, those are all self-inflicted.

"And everything he's told you that's been happening

"And everything he's told you that's been happening

"And everything he's told you that's been happening

to him, he's been doing to the other children.

to him, he's been doing to the other children.

"He's claiming people are sexually assaulting him,

"He's claiming people are sexually assaulting him,

"abusing him, torturing him, punching him,

"hitting him, kicking him, choking him.

"hitting him, kicking him, choking him.

"Nick did that, to other kids.

"Nick did that, to other kids.

"He's going from group home to foster home,

"He's going from group home to foster home,

"from foster home back to group home,

"to different group homes, to different foster homes.

"to different group homes, to different foster homes.

"He's all over the state of Rhode Island,

"there's nowhere else to put him. Everywhere he's been,

"there's nowhere else to put him. Everywhere he's been,

"he created a problem."

He says, "I can't let you adopt him."

He said, "If you adopt this kid, it will destroy your marriage,

He said, "If you adopt this kid, it will destroy your marriage,

"it'll ruin your life."

I kind of broke out in a little bit of a sweat.

I kind of broke out in a little bit of a sweat.

Judge said that Nick's a bad seed.

For the past six years, it's been my mission

to educate everyone about living a healthier

to educate everyone about living a healthier

and more sustainable and more compassionate lifestyle.

and more sustainable and more compassionate lifestyle.

I wanted Plant-based to be

the world's first vegan lifestyle series on mainstream television.

the world's first vegan lifestyle series on mainstream television.

Mm! Mm-hm!

I hired Nicholas Brown to help me with season four

I hired Nicholas Brown to help me with season four

of Plant-based by Nafsika, my TV series.

of Plant-based by Nafsika, my TV series.

He just made himself look like such a perfect candidate.

He just made himself look like such a perfect candidate.

I felt that when I went vegan, it was important to get

I felt that when I went vegan, it was important to get

a good vegan cheese that will help me transition more easily,

a good vegan cheese that will help me transition more easily,

and I wanted to do that for others as well,

and I wanted to do that for others as well,

with my programme and my TV show.

A little bit of parmesan. Parmesan cheese.

I love parmesan!

So, I was looking for someone to help me with PR and marketing.

So, I was looking for someone to help me with PR and marketing.

I came across the CV of Nicholas Brown.

I came across the CV of Nicholas Brown.

I didn't know exactly what he looked like

I didn't know exactly what he looked like

because the profile pic he had,

it was very blurry and it looked old.

it was very blurry and it looked old.

But he seemed quite interesting

But he seemed quite interesting

because he had a little bit of TV experience,

because he had a little bit of TV experience,

he was a Harvard graduate,

he was a Harvard graduate,

international lawyer,

and we had a conversation that same day.

and we had a conversation that same day.

He mentioned a food show he worked on...

..he mentioned Gordon Ramsay a couple of times...

..he mentioned Gordon Ramsay a couple of times...

..and he seemed very determined and confident.

..and he seemed very determined and confident.

He actually said,

"By August we're going to have $1.5 million raised

"By August we're going to have $1.5 million raised

"for the show." And I said, "OK that's a little,

"for the show." And I said, "OK that's a little,

"you know, confident,"

"you know, confident,"

but if he can make a quarter of that I'd be very happy,

but if he can make a quarter of that I'd be very happy,

very, very happy.

So, I hired him on the spot.

Starting to work with Nicholas, he was very kind,

Starting to work with Nicholas, he was very kind,

tried to joke a lot, tried to get on the personal side,

tried to joke a lot, tried to get on the personal side,

like, you know, show me his favourite TV shows.

like, you know, show me his favourite TV shows.

No, I don't believe it!

No, I don't believe it!

And he had sent even a birthday present to me, some candles.

And he had sent even a birthday present to me, some candles.

And he had sent even a birthday present to me, some candles.

He tried to, you know, really be a friend.

He tried to, you know, really be a friend.

He... He was working one month on a website.

He... He was working one month on a website.

He said, "We need a Nafsika Global website."

He said, "We need a Nafsika Global website."

I thought, "OK, let's see what can happen here,

I thought, "OK, let's see what can happen here,

"since he's so passionate about it and he's so confident."

"since he's so passionate about it and he's so confident."

Whenever I would ask him, "Where are we?" I'd like,

Whenever I would ask him, "Where are we?" I'd like,

I'd ask for an update, something would happen.

I'd ask for an update, something would happen.

There would be an illness.

He either got sick, or his wife got sick.

He either got sick, or his wife got sick.

She had appendicitis, I think, one time.

His dogs got sick, so I'd wait a few more days.

His dogs got sick, so I'd wait a few more days.

He went to the hospital, he sent me pictures of the back of his head

He went to the hospital, he sent me pictures of the back of his head

with some plugs but never the front of his face.

with some plugs but never the front of his face.

It was just excuse after excuse.

He delivered absolutely nothing.

He delivered absolutely nothing.

The only thing he did was cause chaos.

The only thing he did was cause chaos.

Third month in, I go, "Listen Nicholas,

Third month in, I go, "Listen Nicholas,

"I'm not seeing anything yet. It's three months now,

"I'm not seeing anything yet. It's three months now,

"I haven't seen anything."

And he would be raising his voice, "I've done so much for you,

And he would be raising his voice, "I've done so much for you,

"I've poured my blood, sweat and tears into our company!"

"I've poured my blood, sweat and tears into our company!"

And I said, "There's no company, we haven't done anything.

And I said, "There's no company, we haven't done anything.

"You've completely abandoned the TV show and now it's too late,

"You've completely abandoned the TV show and now it's too late,

"You've completely abandoned the TV show and now it's too late,

"and we're supposed to be filming now in the summer,

"and we're supposed to be filming now in the summer,

"in two months, and we don't even have a show,"

"in two months, and we don't even have a show,"

and I'm saying, "Show me your work."

I started realising, OK, he's just BS.

I started realising, OK, he's just BS.

I knew that everything he was saying was just bullshit.

I knew that everything he was saying was just bullshit.

And now, I have to get out of this, somehow.

And now, I have to get out of this, somehow.

And now, I have to get out of this, somehow.

And I'll see how he responds.

He responded very aggressively.

"Settle or your company and brand shall be destroyed.

"Settle or your company and brand shall be destroyed.

"End of story."

"End of story."

You have, like, you know, this many hours and minutes.

You have, like, you know, this many hours and minutes.

I said, "Do not call me or text me or whatever,

I said, "Do not call me or text me or whatever,

"we're going to go our separate ways, and that's it. It's over."

"we're going to go our separate ways, and that's it. It's over."

"we're going to go our separate ways, and that's it. It's over."

And that's when he launched his smear campaign on me.

And that's when he launched his smear campaign on me.

The website that he had "worked so hard" on

The website that he had "worked so hard" on

had my driver's licence picture on it.

had my driver's licence picture on it.

And it made it look like a mugshot of me.

And it made it look like a mugshot of me.

"Tick-tock, tick-tock.

"Tick-tock, tick-tock.

"You have two hours and 15 minutes to propose a settlement

"You have two hours and 15 minutes to propose a settlement

"and I will remove everything. Tick-tock, Naffy. Tick-tock."

"and I will remove everything. Tick-tock, Naffy. Tick-tock."

"and I will remove everything. Tick-tock, Naffy. Tick-tock."

What happened to me was fraud, extortion, and blackmail.

What happened to me was fraud, extortion, and blackmail.

"Nafsika Antypas is a fraud."

If you destroy my reputation, then everything crumbles.

If you destroy my reputation, then everything crumbles.

I paid Nicholas in total 40,000 Canadian, which is about £25,000.

I paid Nicholas in total 40,000 Canadian, which is about £25,000.

I paid Nicholas in total 40,000 Canadian, which is about £25,000.

Pissed!

He worked for me for over three months,

He worked for me for over three months,

but he caused over two years of damage.

but he caused over two years of damage.

I had to assume the worst,

that this man can be dangerous, he knows where I live.

that this man can be dangerous, he knows where I live.

What if he comes to my house?

What if he comes to my house?

Then I hired a private investigator to track down Nicholas Brown.

Then I hired a private investigator to track down Nicholas Brown.

Then I hired a private investigator to track down Nicholas Brown.

Nicholas Brown was a fake person. He doesn't really exist.

Nicholas Brown was a fake person. He doesn't really exist.

I had been conned.

He was Nicholas Rossi. He's a con artist.

He was Nicholas Rossi. He's a con artist.

I go online dating, looking for love.

I go online dating, looking for love.

His online dating photos had geeky-looking photos,

His online dating photos had geeky-looking photos,

bookish guy, nerdish and intellectual.

bookish guy, nerdish and intellectual.

Sort of my type, not the usual all muscles and bravado kind of thing.

Sort of my type, not the usual all muscles and bravado kind of thing.

Sort of my type, not the usual all muscles and bravado kind of thing.

He called himself Nicholas Alahverdian

He called himself Nicholas Alahverdian

and also Nicholas Rossi.

and also Nicholas Rossi.

He showed me links to his Wikipedia page

He showed me links to his Wikipedia page

and to links on YouTube

and to links on YouTube

of where he was doing speeches in Rhode Island.

of where he was doing speeches in Rhode Island.

Er, I'm new here. Just kidding.

Er, I'm new here. Just kidding.

Sending kids far away from home is a bad idea.

Sending kids far away from home is a bad idea.

Bad things happen in these places

and there are states that shut their own places down.

and there are states that shut their own places down.

He portrayed himself as a Harvard-educated lobbyist.

He portrayed himself as a Harvard-educated lobbyist.

The frequency of our messages increased over a few days

The frequency of our messages increased over a few days

The frequency of our messages increased over a few days

and then we spoke for hours and hours.

and then we spoke for hours and hours.

He was charming.

He was charming.

He was funny and well spoken.

He was funny and well spoken.

Within a few days of talking,

Within a few days of talking,

he said he wanted to come and visit me in England.

he said he wanted to come and visit me in England.

I was curious to meet him.

I was curious to meet him.

He's saying, "I want to move to the UK,"

He's saying, "I want to move to the UK,"

and I say "OK, you can come and visit

and I say "OK, you can come and visit

"and we can take it in baby steps from there,

"and we can take it in baby steps from there,

"if things go well."

He told me he booked a flight.

He wanted me to book a taxi or pick him up,

He wanted me to book a taxi or pick him up,

which I refused to do.

He arrived on my doorstep after midnight.

He arrived on my doorstep after midnight.

Er, with two massive suitcases.

Er, with two massive suitcases.

I felt a bit bamboozled into it, but I thought, "Well,

I felt a bit bamboozled into it, but I thought, "Well,

"if he's only going to stay for a few days, that should be OK."

"if he's only going to stay for a few days, that should be OK."

Then, the drama started.

Nicholas was in my house for five weeks.

Nicholas was in my house for five weeks.

From the moment he walked in, it was manipulation

From the moment he walked in, it was manipulation

and gaslighting non-stop.

and gaslighting non-stop.

He wanted cash and lots of it.

He wanted cash and lots of it.

I gave him a few hundred pounds while he was trying

I gave him a few hundred pounds while he was trying

to settle down in the UK.

to settle down in the UK.

to settle down in the UK.

A few days later he said,

A few days later he said,

"My money has gone, you need to give me more."

"My money has gone, you need to give me more."

He splashed my cash like water.

He splashed my cash like water.

And how did he treat you?

He wanted me to wear dresses, stockings,

He wanted me to wear dresses, stockings,

high heels, be smarter, to match up with him.

high heels, be smarter, to match up with him.

The whole relationship basically felt like a sham

The whole relationship basically felt like a sham

because he was tormenting me and emotionally wearing me down.

because he was tormenting me and emotionally wearing me down.

because he was tormenting me and emotionally wearing me down.

I thought things are really not good and I need to get rid of him,

I thought things are really not good and I need to get rid of him,

I thought things are really not good and I need to get rid of him,

so I decided I'm going to bring it up with him

so I decided I'm going to bring it up with him

and just say, "Look things aren't working out,

and just say, "Look things aren't working out,

"I think you should go."

"I think you should go."

And there were crocodile tears flowing down his cheeks

And there were crocodile tears flowing down his cheeks

And there were crocodile tears flowing down his cheeks

and he went into immediate victim mode.

and he went into immediate victim mode.

"I've uprooted my life for you,

"I've uprooted my life for you,

"I sacrificed everything to you. I love you so much.

"I sacrificed everything to you. I love you so much.

"How could you do this to me?"

"How could you do this to me?"

Guilt tripping me completely and then after I backed down,

Guilt tripping me completely and then after I backed down,

Guilt tripping me completely and then after I backed down,

he asked me for even more money.

Which I gave him.

And now, I felt like a prisoner in my own house

And now, I felt like a prisoner in my own house

because this guy won't leave and I thought,

because this guy won't leave and I thought,

because this guy won't leave and I thought,

"Oh, my God, how am I going to get rid of this guy?"

"Oh, my God, how am I going to get rid of this guy?"

And I was about to head outside and I found him in front of me,

And I was about to head outside and I found him in front of me,

And I was about to head outside and I found him in front of me,

blocking the way to the exit of the bedroom.

blocking the way to the exit of the bedroom.

And...

..I couldn't get past him to the exit.

..I couldn't get past him to the exit.

He just wouldn't let me go

He just wouldn't let me go

and after ten minutes,

after saying no, I gave up.

after saying no, I gave up.

If I'm just going to lie down there and take it,

If I'm just going to lie down there and take it,

maybe he'll let me go.

He didn't look at me, he didn't talk to me

He didn't look at me, he didn't talk to me

and I was just lying there like

a piece of meat while he's getting his dick wet.

a piece of meat while he's getting his dick wet.

Repeatedly, I told him no.

I felt emotionally,

psychologically, mentally, raped already,

psychologically, mentally, raped already,

psychologically, mentally, raped already,

so the physical part was just the icing on the cake.

so the physical part was just the icing on the cake.

I knew I had to do something.

I knew I had to do something.

I phoned the police

and I was quite surprised how helpful they were

and I was quite surprised how helpful they were

because I thought I was going to get ridiculed for being so stupid.

because I thought I was going to get ridiculed for being so stupid.

He was in London at the time,

but he never told me when he was going to come back,

but he never told me when he was going to come back,

so the police me told me, "Don't let him back into the house.

so the police me told me, "Don't let him back into the house.

so the police me told me, "Don't let him back into the house.

"Pack his suitcases, change your door locks

"Pack his suitcases, change your door locks

"and dump his stuff at the station

"and dump his stuff at the station

"and then only tell him the relationship is over."

"and then only tell him the relationship is over."

MESSAGE ALERT BEEP

MESSAGE ALERT BEEP

Every few months, I started doing Google searches,

Every few months, I started doing Google searches,

just to make sure he's not in the UK anymore

just to make sure he's not in the UK anymore

and as far away from me as possible.

and as far away from me as possible.

Live and local news and information on WPRO...

Live and local news and information on WPRO...

Live and local news and information on WPRO...

Nicholas Alahverdian had made it his mission to fight

Nicholas Alahverdian had made it his mission to fight

against what he described as abuses in the state's childcare system.

against what he described as abuses in the state's childcare system.

He has passed away from a long battle with cancer.

He has passed away from a long battle with cancer.

Nicholas Alahverdian was 32.

Nicholas Alahverdian was 32.

I found his obituary,

I found his obituary,

saying he's dead,

and he died of some kind of rare cancer...

and he died of some kind of rare cancer...

..and it was a sigh of relief,

..and it was a sigh of relief,

..and it was a sigh of relief,

thinking I don't have to worry about him anymore.

thinking I don't have to worry about him anymore.

Psycho boy is dead.

His face obscured by an oxygen mask,

His face obscured by an oxygen mask,

this is the man US prosecutors believe faked his own death and fled

this is the man US prosecutors believe faked his own death and fled

to Scotland. They say he's Nicholas Rossi.

to Scotland. They say he's Nicholas Rossi.

Imagine my shock,

Imagine my shock,

watching the news on the sofa and almost falling off it,

watching the news on the sofa and almost falling off it,

watching the news on the sofa and almost falling off it,

and he's alive and well, with a bit of Covid.

and he's alive and well, with a bit of Covid.

and he's alive and well, with a bit of Covid.

I email my friends and say, "Oh, my God,

I email my friends and say, "Oh, my God,

"psycho boy is not dead, he's alive after all!"

"psycho boy is not dead, he's alive after all!"

And he was pretending to be Arthur Knight,

And he was pretending to be Arthur Knight,

or some name I've never come across.

or some name I've never come across.

Are you Nicholas Rossi?

No. That is completely insane. Are you Nicholas Alahverdian?

No. That is completely insane. Are you Nicholas Alahverdian?

Absolutely not.

Those names are not me and that is a fact.

Those names are not me and that is a fact.

Those names are not me and that is a fact.

I would say there is a resemblance to yourself,

I would say there is a resemblance to yourself,

to the photographs we have seen

to the photographs we have seen

of Nicholas Rossi, Nicholas Alahverdian.

of Nicholas Rossi, Nicholas Alahverdian.

OK. I can't control what you think, Sharon,

OK. I can't control what you think, Sharon,

OK. I can't control what you think, Sharon,

but I know that I am not Nicholas Rossi.

but I know that I am not Nicholas Rossi.

These are very serious charges that this man faces.

These are very serious charges that this man faces.

They claim this man faked his own death to evade those charges. No!

They claim this man faked his own death to evade those charges. No!

They claim this man faked his own death to evade those charges. No!

Did you fake your own death?

Did you fake your own death?

I'm... Er, Sharon, I...

I'm... Er, Sharon, I...

I'm... Er, Sharon, I...

We're sitting here having a conversation,

We're sitting here having a conversation,

I've never been dead to anyone.

It was ridiculous.

I mean, he basically just got older and fatter

I mean, he basically just got older and fatter

and even uglier and he...

He just took the victimhood to a max.

He just took the victimhood to a max.

This is a vicious lie,

but we are also incredibly disgusted by

but we are also incredibly disgusted by

the fact that we now have to live our lives in...

the fact that we now have to live our lives in...

In a secretive way

because my wife can't even walk down the pavement to get

because my wife can't even walk down the pavement to get

a pint of milk.

I nearly died!

I nearly died!

I nearly died and we are terrified.

I nearly died and we are terrified.

I nearly died and we are terrified.

All this time he seemed to have been in the UK,

All this time he seemed to have been in the UK,

close to me and I felt quite scared.

close to me and I felt quite scared.

close to me and I felt quite scared.

Do you have any idea of the scale of his crimes?

Do you have any idea of the scale of his crimes?

No. I know it's a lot of sexual stuff

No. I know it's a lot of sexual stuff

and financial crime...

and financial crime...

and financial crime...

And just being an arsehole, really.

And just being an arsehole, really.

I think Nicholas is an evil parasite that will jump from victim

I think Nicholas is an evil parasite that will jump from victim

I think Nicholas is an evil parasite that will jump from victim

to victim until he is stopped.

to victim until he is stopped.

Prosecutors believe the former Rhode Islander faked his own death

Prosecutors believe the former Rhode Islander faked his own death

to avoid prosecution in Utah.

to avoid prosecution in Utah.

American prosecutors say Nicholas Rossi is wanted in Utah.

American prosecutors say Nicholas Rossi is wanted in Utah.

American prosecutors say Nicholas Rossi is wanted in Utah.

I immediately contacted the Utah authorities,

I immediately contacted the Utah authorities,

because this guy was straight up lying about his identity

because this guy was straight up lying about his identity

because this guy was straight up lying about his identity

and I just thought, "Well, we've got to catch this guy."

and I just thought, "Well, we've got to catch this guy."

I'm part of the international effort to catch Nicholas Rossi.

I'm part of the international effort to catch Nicholas Rossi.

Our investigation revealed crimes in four US states,

Our investigation revealed crimes in four US states,

here in Utah, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.

here in Utah, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.

here in Utah, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.

Alleged victims have also come forward from Canada and England.

Alleged victims have also come forward from Canada and England.

To an extreme sense,

there is nothing that Nicholas Rossi won't do

there is nothing that Nicholas Rossi won't do

to satisfy his narcissistic cravings.

to satisfy his narcissistic cravings.

We've got a serial rapist on the loose, who faked his death.

We've got a serial rapist on the loose, who faked his death.

It doesn't matter what money we have to spend...

It doesn't matter what money we have to spend...

..we will bring him back.

..we will bring him back.

Cos my purpose is to protect future victims.

Cos my purpose is to protect future victims.

Cos my purpose is to protect future victims.

Go and sit on your bed. Oh, there's a good boy. What a good boy!

Go and sit on your bed. Oh, there's a good boy. What a good boy!

Go and sit on your bed. Oh, there's a good boy. What a good boy!

So, the authorities describe Nicholas Rossi,

So, the authorities describe Nicholas Rossi,

Nicholas Alahverdian, as a sexual predator against women,

Nicholas Alahverdian, as a sexual predator against women,

a conman, a fraudster,

a conman, a fraudster,

and they're saying that that person,

and they're saying that that person,

that monster, is your husband. How does that feel?

that monster, is your husband. How does that feel?

SHE INHALES

You're a fucking beast!

How can you possibly claim not to be Nicholas Rossi?

How can you possibly claim not to be Nicholas Rossi?

Is the game up for you?

The game has just started, the game is afoot.

The game has just started, the game is afoot.

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