Larnaca Criminal Court on Tuesday postponed the trial of a Swedish fugitive and two co-defendants in a high-profile prison break case.
The 47-year-old Swedish national, wanted in connection with a 90-million-euro fraud case, faces charges alongside his 54-year-old lawyer and a 44-year-old police officer following his escape from a Larnaca clinic on December 22. He was recaptured the following day in an apartment building under construction.
Defence lawyer Antonis Vafeas requested time to review new charges against his client, who faces conspiracy and escape from lawful custody charges, with money laundering charges dropped from the original indictment.
The lawyer co-defendant faces charges of conspiracy and aiding a prisoner, while the police officer is charged with conspiracy, aiding a prisoner, abuse of power, and corruption-related transactions.
In a separate development, the Court of Appeals overturned a lower court’s decision, releasing both the lawyer and police officer on bail.
Prosecutors allege the police officer facilitated contact between the Swedish national and the lawyer, purchasing mobile phone cards and shoes used in the escape. The lawyer allegedly provided the fugitive with a mobile phone, chargers, sneaker shoes, handcuff keys, and an escape route map.
The case has attracted significant media attention in Sweden, with Swedish journalists attending today’s proceedings. The court adjourned the case until February 27, with the Swedish defendant remaining in custody.
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