Police face scrutiny following the escape of a Swedish fugitive from a clinic in Larnaca, with the alleged involvement of his 54-year-old lawyer and a 44-year-old police officer, both currently in custody.
Beyond the circumstances of the escape on December 22 and irregular guarding by a contract special police officer, questions mount over how the detainee, 49, received a mobile phone, chargers and shoes whilst at the clinic.
The mobile phone contained thousands of photographs taken by the Swedish national, who appeared to have been alone in his room for extended periods despite being under guard. This incident follows just weeks after another embarrassing escape of a life-sentenced prisoner.
The mobile phone, found when the fugitive was arrested on 23 December in an under-construction apartment building in Larnaca, contained over 4,000 photographs. These were taken between 12 and 23 December, mostly depicting the fugitive himself and his clinic room.
Investigators are examining whether these photographs were sent to others and their purpose. One photograph shows the suspect police officer with facial injuries. The court heard this photograph was accompanied by a message in which the 44-year-old allegedly asked the detainee to give money to the 54-year-old lawyer.
A key question is whether the lawyer was properly searched during her frequent visits to the detainee. The suspect allegedly delivered the mobile phone and chargers on 11 December, and between 14 and 19 December provided him with a map showing a meeting point after the escape, trainers, and a key to unlock his handcuffs.
Questions also arise about why the Swede’s room was not searched, as he managed to stay at the clinic for 15 days with gastroenteritis. After his initial arrest, a state doctor at Larnaca hospital had determined his condition was not concerning and he could remain in custody.
The man, arrested on 6 December at Larnaca airport, was taken to Oroklini Police Station cells. He confessed that the 44-year-old officer approached him whilst on duty and suggested the 54-year-old lawyer take his case. The officer allegedly requested that the Swede purchase his house in exchange for assistance, citing financial difficulties.
The lawyer visited him in his cell on 7 December, and the detainee gave her €5,000 through his son. According to the Swede, she continued pressuring him for more money, and he transferred ownership of a luxury vehicle to her, claiming it was worth over €100,000.
The vehicle transfer occurred on 11 December after the Swede spoke with a car dealer in Limassol. This raises another significant question: How did a person wanted for nearly a year on a European arrest warrant manage to live in Cyprus for months and purchase a vehicle?
Among the notable claims in this case is the fugitive’s assertion that the lawyer proposed marriage to him days after his admission to the clinic, which he says he rejected. He claimed she threatened him immediately after his arrest, citing her high-level connections.
Conversely, during her arrest on 31 December, the 54-year-old lawyer allegedly verbally claimed they had developed a flirtation and that he had proposed marriage, telling her he wanted to establish ties with the Republic of Cyprus. The empty box of the mobile phone found in the Swede’s possession was discovered at the lawyer’s house in Pervolia.
At the police officer’s house in Kiti, four mobile phones were found along with 42 cartridges, despite being legally permitted to possess only 25. Consequently, among other charges, he faces an offence for illegal possession of explosive materials.
Investigators are examining both the four mobile phones belonging to the 44-year-old officer, who has been suspended, and the lawyer’s phone. The officer allegedly was meant to put money on the mobile phone card and purchased the trainers delivered to the detainee. According to the Swede, the lawyer told him the trainers cost €500.
The police officer reported sick one day before the escape (21 December) and remained absent from duties until his arrest (31 December).
Criminal Investigation Department investigators, who will take 60 statements, are working to clarify several unclear aspects of this unprecedented case. One such aspect is what happened after the escape, given that according to the Swede’s claims, a black car was supposed to wait for him in a park (believed to be the Pattichion). However, he said he only found a sports bag at that location, where he remained for hours. Subsequently, due to rain, he claimed he found shelter in the building where he was discovered.
Two other police officers have been suspended and face disciplinary investigation in connection with the case.
Swedish media coverage
The case continues to receive media coverage in Sweden, which has requested the fugitive’s extradition as he is implicated in a major financial fraud amounting to €90 million. Such is the interest in the unexpected turn of events that Swedish journalists have contacted both the Cyprus Police and Phileleftheros seeking additional details.
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