ATHENS – Israeli mining billionaire Beny Steinmetz has challenged a Greek court’s decision to extradite him to Romania over allegations linked to an old land rights case. His legal team confirmed the appeal was filed with Greece’s Supreme Court, maintaining faith in the country’s judicial system despite the ruling.
Steinmetz, currently hospitalized under custody in Greece, was detained on October 13 upon arriving at Athens International Airport. Romanian authorities have accused him of being part of a group that allegedly engaged in illegal efforts to secure land rights in the country, charges his legal advisors vehemently deny.
“This ruling does not shake my client’s confidence in Greek justice,” said his lawyer, Stavros Togias, in a statement. Steinmetz’s defense has described Romania’s extradition request as “abusive” and the allegations as “unfounded,” asserting his right to unrestricted travel.
This is not Steinmetz’s first legal victory on similar charges. In 2022, a Greek court denied Romania’s extradition request. Courts in Cyprus and Italy have also dismissed Romania’s demands in previous years. The Supreme Court’s decision in Greece will be closely watched as Steinmetz continues to fight the extradition order.