A Swedish businessman arrested in Cyprus and facing extradition over an alleged €90 million fraud has consented to his transfer to Sweden, whilst simultaneously facing charges for escaping from a private clinic during his detention.
The 49-year-old suspect, who was initially arrested on 6 December and escaped on 22 December, gave his consent during today’s extradition hearing at the Larnaca court. However, the extradition process will be suspended until the conclusion of his local trial regarding the escape.
The businessman, along with his 54-year-old lawyer and a 44-year-old police officer, were committed for direct trial before the Criminal Court last Tuesday in connection with the escape. The suspect will remain in custody at the central prison until proceedings conclude.
In a related development, defence lawyer Kypros Andreou filed an appeal on Friday morning against the Larnaca District Court’s decision to detain the lawyer and police officer until their trial begins. Sources say the appeal cites ten grounds for release, including the defendants’ strong ties to the Republic.
The trial is scheduled to begin on 11 February, when all three defendants will enter their pleas. The lawyer and police officer are alleged to have played a crucial role in planning the businessman’s escape. The suspect was eventually recaptured on 23 December in an unfinished apartment building in Larnaca.
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