The 49-year-old Swedish national who escaped from hospital custody in Larnaca last December will testify against the 54-year-old lawyer and 44-year-old police officer who allegedly assisted his escape, prosecutors told the Larnaca Criminal Court on Thursday.
To secure the Swede’s testimony, prosecutors announced the suspension of the criminal conspiracy charge that had been common to all three defendants.
Both the lawyer and police officer pleaded not guilty to their remaining charges.
The lawyer faces charges of assisting a prisoner to escape and money laundering, after allegedly receiving €10,000 and a Range Rover valued at €75,000 from the Swedish national whilst knowing they were proceeds from illegal activities.
The police officer stands accused of assisting a prisoner to escape, abuse of power as a public official, and engaging in transactions indicating corruption.
Court documents allege he arranged for the Swedish defendant to pay off his house mortgage whilst allowing him to continue living there at a rental rate, in exchange for assistance with the escape.
The offences reportedly occurred between December 7-22, 2024.
The Swedish national, who has pleaded guilty to the escape charge, will face sentencing on 28 March.
Court records show the fugitive escaped from a Larnaca clinic on December 22, 2024 and was apprehended the following day in an under-construction apartment building.
The 44-year-old officer allegedly connected the prisoner with the lawyer and purchased mobile phone cards and shoes that were given to the detainee.
The lawyer is accused of supplying the Swedish national with a mobile phone, chargers, athletic shoes, handcuff keys, and a map showing a meeting point following the escape.
Sweden has requested the extradition of the 49-year-old, who is wanted for major financial fraud reportedly involving approximately €90 million.
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