The three suspects accused of aiding a Swedish national’s escape from a Larnaca clinic will face trial at the Permanent Criminal Court on February 11, as new evidence surfaces in the case.
The suspects – a 49-year-old Swedish national, his 54-year-old lawyer, and a 44-year-old police officer – face serious charges that could result in lengthy prison sentences.
Defence counsel for the lawyer and police officer challenged their detention until trial. The prosecution argued against their release, citing risks of flight and potential witness tampering.
Prosecutors presented substantial evidence to the court, including witness statements collected by Criminal Investigation Department investigators.
Beyond the Swedish national’s confession, additional incriminating evidence was found against the lawyer and police officer.
Among the evidence is testimony from the police officer’s colleague at Oroklini Station, who told the court the officer had identified the 54-year-old as his lawyer who handled his divorce and property matters.
A kiosk employee also testified that the officer instructed her to credit €40 worth of phone cards to a mobile phone allegedly given to the Swedish national by the lawyer.
The police officer, who allegedly introduced the lawyer to the Swedish national, faces additional charges of corruption and abuse of power due to his position as a public servant.
Evidence against the lawyer includes empty mobile phone and portable charger boxes found at her residence.
Additional testimony comes from a Limassol car dealership owner, who said the Swedish national instructed him to transfer a luxury vehicle worth over €100,000 to her name.
A clinic employee testified that the lawyer enquired about Catholic wedding procedures. The Swedish national had previously claimed she proposed a fraudulent marriage to establish ties with the Republic of Cyprus.
The lawyer allegedly provided the Swedish national with a mobile phone, chargers, athletic shoes purchased by the police officer, handcuff keys, and an escape route map.
Both she and the Swedish national face money laundering charges, which carry up to 14 years imprisonment.
Defence lawyer Kypros Andreou dismissed flight risk concerns and witness tampering possibilities for his clients.
He cited contradictions in the Swedish national’s testimony and argued that neither the lawyer nor the police officer assisted the 49-year-old after his December 22 escape.
The court will announce its decision on the continued detention of the police officer and lawyer today. The Swedish national’s lawyer did not object to his detention.
Parallel proceedings for his extradition to Sweden continue, where he is wanted for financial fraud allegedly involving €90 million.
