Mining tycoon Beny Steinmetz was detained by Cypriot authorities at Larnaca airport under a warrant issued by Romania following his conviction and sentencing in absentia.
The Israeli and French businessman was sentenced in December 2020 to five years in prison by the Romanian Supreme Court for his role in an illegal property scheme with local businessmen in the capital Bucharest. He has appealed the decision.
Steinmetz, who originally made his money from diamond trading, will remain at the police station where he is being held until Friday, when he will be brought to court, according to his spokesperson. Steinmetz, 67, can then request to be released from custody. Both Italy and Greece have previously decided against enforcing the European Arrest Warrant issued by Romania, his spokesman said.
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