The Israeli Mining magnate Beny Steinmetz was arrested Sunday at Athens International Airport on the basis of a European Arrest Warrant issued by Romania, despite a Greek court rejecting his extradition two years ago. However, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that it was unlawful for courts to reject a European Arrest Warrant. He was released on bail and is prohibited from leaving the country.
Key Points:
- Mining magnate Beny Steinmetz was arrested at Athens International Airport on a European Arrest Warrant from Romania.
- The arrest comes despite a 2021 Greek court ruling against his extradition. Steinmetz was arrested again in August last year in Cyprus. However, the Supreme Court there also rejected his extradition.
- Steinmetz was sentenced in absentia to 5 years in Romania for fraud but denies the charges.
- Released on €5,000 bail; prohibited from leaving Greece pending case resolution.
Short Narrative:
Beny Steinmetz, the Israeli mining tycoon, was arrested in Greece on Sunday under a European Arrest Warrant issued by Romania. This follows his conviction in Romania for conspiring with Prince Paul Philippe to fraudulently acquire over $100 million in real estate. Although Greece’s courts previously blocked his extradition in 2021, citing issues with Romania’s judicial process, Steinmetz faces renewed legal battles.
He spent the night in custody before being released on €5,000 bail but is prohibited from leaving Greece until further proceedings. Steinmetz has consistently denied all charges, pointing to violations of his right to a fair trial.
Actionable Insight:
Steinmetz’s arrest highlights ongoing cross-border legal challenges tied to the European Arrest Warrant system. Compliance professionals should stay alert to legal precedents that could impact multinational cases involving financial fraud and real estate crime.
Call for Information:
FinTelegram seeks additional information on Steinmetz’s legal battles and the potential ramifications of his latest arrest. Could this case signal a shift in Greece’s stance on extradition?