\n<\/p>\n
Steinmetz filed the appeal with Greece\u2019s Supreme Court, his attorney, Stavros Togias, stated. \u201cDespite our deep disappointment, the ruling does not shake my client\u2019s confidence in Greek justice,\u201d Togias said in a statement.<\/p>\n
Currently, Steinmetz, 68, is in custody while receiving medical treatment in Greece.<\/p>\n
He was detained by Greek authorities on October 13, shortly after arriving at Athens International Airport aboard a private jet, under a European arrest warrant issued by Romania.<\/p>\n
The warrant stems from a case dating back several years. Steinmetz is accused of being part of a group that allegedly sought to acquire land rights illegally in Romania.<\/p>\n
In 2020, Romania convicted Steinmetz, the so-called \u201cDiamond King,\u201d in absentia for his involvement in the land claims scheme. However, Steinmetz denies the charges, with his legal team calling the accusations from Romanian authorities \u201cunfounded\u201d and labeling the extradition requests as \u201cabusive,\u201d insisting that he has the right to travel freely.<\/p>\n
In 2022, a Greek court ruled against his extradition, and last year, Cyprus\u2019 Court of Appeal also rejected the request, overturning a lower court\u2019s decision. Additionally, an Italian court dismissed Romania\u2019s extradition request.<\/p>\n
The Supreme Court\u2019s upcoming ruling will decide whether Steinmetz will be sent to Romania to serve his sentence or remain in Greece. [Reuters]<\/p>\n