Israeli diamond magnate Beny Steinmetz was arrested by Greek police on Sunday upon arrival in the Athens airport under a warrant from Romania.
According to Reuters, on Monday morning, Steinmetz passed before a prosecutor who decided to release him on bail. Although the multi-billionaire was placed under a travel ban that forbids him from leaving the country until he receives a court decision.
A European arrest warrant has been issued for him by Romania, which convicted him in absentia in 2020 for involvement in a criminal organization among other charges. A Greek court must now decide if he will be extradited to Romania.
A Greek court had previously considered and rejected his extradition in 2022. Just over a year ago a court in Cyprus also ruled against his extradition to Romania, overturning a lower court ruling. Italy has similarly rejected extradition requests.
Steinmetz has also been found guilty in absentia in Switzerland of corruption regarding mining exploration projects. His mining company and its dealings have also been investigated in the US, the U.K., and Israel.
Latest News
European Central Bank Cuts Interest Rates by 25 Basis Points
It is the fourth cut of interest rates by Europe’s central bank, a move expected by the markets and financial analysts leading to the rate settling at 3%.
Airbnb: New Measures Add €600 in Extra Costs for Property Owners
Property managers face an immediate administrative fine of 5,000 euros if access to the inspected property is denied or any of the specified requirements are not met.
Economist: Greece Included in the Best Performing Economies in 2024
Meanwhile, Northern European countries disappoint, with sluggish performances from the United Kingdom and Germany.
EasyJet Expands Its Routes from Athens
The airline’s two new routes will be to London Luton and Alicante and they will commence in summer 2025.
Capital Link Forum Highlights Greece’s Economic Resurgence; Honors BoG Gov Stournaras
Capital Link Hellenic Leadership Award recipient, Bank of Greece Gov. Yannis Stournaras, an ex-FinMin, was lauded for his pivotal role during Greece’s economic recovery
Tourist Spending in Greece Up by 14%, Visa Card Analysis Shows
Greece’s capital Athens emerged as the most popular destination, recording a 17% increase in transactions with Visa cards, surpassing even the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos.
Inflation in Greece Unchanged at 2.4% in Nov. 2024
The general consumer price index (CPI) posted a 0.4% decrease in November compared to the previous month
2024 Christmas Holidays: Extended Shop Hours Schedule
The 2024 Christmas Holidays extended shop hours schedule commences on Thursday, December 12 and runs until the end of the year.
ELSTAT: Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Down in October
The number of employed individuals reached 4,284,694, an increase of 67,723 compared to October 2023 (+1.6%) and 22,002 compared to September 2024 (+0.5%).
Greek PM’s Chief Economic Adviser Resigns
In the post on his Facebook page, Patelis did not disclose the reasons that led him to step down.