A 54-year-old Ukrainian man has been arrested in Arnaia, Halkidiki, as he is wanted in his home country for fraud involving municipal properties in Odesa.
He was arrested on Wednesday afternoon while en route to Mount Athos, on the basis of an international warrant.
He was brought before the Prosecutor's Office of the Appeal Court of Thessaloniki at noon on Thursday, where it was decided that he would remain in custody until the competent Judicial Council issues an opinion on his extradition to Ukraine.
According to prosecution documents from the Ukrainian authorities, he is accused of forming and participating in a criminal group, fraud, and forgery. The criminal proceedings were initiated by the Odesa Regional Court.
According to available information, the 54-year-old is believed to be an elected Odesa city councillor. The acts attributed to him are reportedly linked to his long-term involvement in the city’s permanent municipal property committee. He is accused of playing a “leading role” in arbitrary property management, in coordination with accomplices, to the detriment of municipal assets.
Before the appeal prosecutor, the 54-year-old denied the charges and declared that he did not wish to be extradited to Ukraine. The Thessaloniki Council of Appeal is expected to convene soon to decide on his extradition.