The Larnaca Criminal Court has sentenced 49-year-old Swedish national Hans Jonny Uven to 18 months imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to escaping from a private clinic whilst in custody pending extradition proceedings.
Uven, who is wanted in Sweden for fraud allegations involving approximately €90 million, will serve as the key prosecution witness in the upcoming trial of his lawyer and a police officer who allegedly assisted in his escape. That trial is scheduled to begin on June 23.
In determining the sentence, the court considered mitigating factors including Uven’s guilty plea and his active cooperation in resolving the case.
His defence counsel conveyed their client’s willingness to testify as a prosecution witness against his alleged accomplices.
Swedish authorities have requested Uven’s extradition, raising the possibility that he may be transferred to Sweden to continue serving his sentence after providing testimony in the Cyprus case.
The case began on December 6 when Uven was arrested at Larnaca Airport while attempting to depart for Bahrain. Authorities discovered an outstanding European arrest warrant issued by Swedish authorities.
Three days later, on December 9, Uven reported feeling unwell and was transferred to a clinic where he was diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis before being moved to another medical facility.
On December 22, Uven removed a bed railing and escaped from the clinic by jumping from a window. He was located the following day hiding in an under-construction apartment building in Larnaca and was rearrested.
During questioning, Uven admitted guilt, stating he did not wish to return to Sweden due to the cold weather and fears regarding individuals with whom he had financial disputes.
Subsequently, he implicated a 44-year-old police officer and his 54-year-old lawyer in the escape plot.
The police officer allegedly facilitated contact with the lawyer and purchased mobile phone cards and shoes used during the escape.
The lawyer is accused of providing Uven with a mobile phone, chargers, athletic shoes, handcuff keys, and a map indicating a meeting point following the escape.
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