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.
