A murder suspect has been extradited to the UK to stand trial accused of killing a businessman at his Birmingham factory more than four years ago.

Officers flew to Pakistan and returned with Tahir Zarif.

He’s suspected of shooting dead Akhtar Javeed during a botched robbery at his wholesale business in Digbeth’s Rea Street on 3 February 2016.

We’ve been working with the National Crime Agency, CPS, Foreign Office, the British High Commission in Pakistan and the Pakistani authorities to pursue Zarif since he fled the UK days after the killing.

The 29-year-old was detained in Mirpur, Pakistan, on 17 January 2018.

He is now in West Midlands Police custody and is set to appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court today (28 Feb).

Detective Sergeant Ranj Sangha, said: “Extradition has been a complex, drawn-out process but the man suspected of shooting Akhtar Javeed is now in our custody and this demonstrates the lengths we will go to pursue and arrest people from across the world if necessary.

“We made a vow to Mr Javeed ’s family to find the people responsible for his murder; I’d like to thank them for their patience and understanding during the last three years.

“This is another significant development in our case and securing justice for Mr Javeed ’s family and friends."

Three men were jailed in September 2016 for a total of 40 years for their part in the armed robbery.

Suraj Misty, aged 26, was handed a 23-year sentence for manslaughter, while Lamar Wali and Sander van Aalten were imprisoned for seven years and six years eight months, respectively, for conspiracy to commit robbery.

At the time, Birmingham Crown Court heard how 56-year-old Mr Javeed was tied up and shot during the robbery.

Richard Crowder, Deputy High Commissioner in Pakistan, added: “This case is a further example of effective co-operation on law enforcement and justice between UK and Pakistan authorities; it’s enabled the return of a murder suspect to the UK.

“Tahir Zarif’s extradition has involved teams from the National Crime Agency, the British High Commission in Islamabad, the CPS, Home Office and Pakistan authorities in pursuit of justice for Aktar Javeed."