Vienna’s high regional court has once again thrown a wrench into the long‑running extradition battle over Ukrainian businessman Dmytro Firtash, this time rejecting the United States’ request to bring him to justice for alleged bribery in India.
Court Decision
The Vienna high regional court dismissed the appeal of a lower court ruling last year, announcing on Dec. 10 that its decision was final. The court said the extradition request was related to payments of bribes in the tens of millions of euros (dollars) for mining licenses in India, but ruled it inadmissible because of immunity under international law.
Allegations and Immunity
Firtash faces a U.S. indictment accusing him of a conspiracy to pay bribes in India to mine titanium used in jet engines. He has denied any wrongdoing. The businessman claimed diplomatic immunity as a one‑time representative of Belarus to international institutions in Vienna. Robert Kert, a professor at the Institute for Austrian and European Economic Criminal Law, said the ruling was “not a substantive decision but more of a formality following the lower court’s verdict last year.” He added, “I have the impression the interest in seeing Mr. Firtash extradited is not that big.”
Legal History
Firtash was arrested in Austria in 2014 and later released on 125 million euros ($131 million) bail, sparking the ongoing saga. A Vienna court initially ruled against extradition on the grounds that the indictment was politically motivated. A higher court in February 2017 rejected that reasoning as “insufficiently substantiated” and allowed extradition; Austria’s Supreme Court of Justice upheld the ruling in 2019. Six years ago, a Chicago federal judge rejected a motion to dismiss the indictment, ruling that U.S. jurisdiction applied because the alleged scheme would have affected a Chicago‑based company. American aviation company Boeing, also based in Chicago, said it considered doing business with Firtash but never followed through and is not accused of any wrongdoing.
Key Takeaways
- Austrian appeals court rejects extradition of Dmytro Firtash to the U.S.
- The case centers on alleged India bribes for titanium mining licenses.
- Firtash claims diplomatic immunity and has denied wrongdoing.
The decision underscores the complex interplay of international law, diplomatic immunity, and ongoing U.S. efforts to prosecute corruption linked to global supply chains.
Morgan J. Carter is a Texas-based journalist covering breaking news, local government, public safety, and community developments across Austin. With more than six years of reporting experience, Morgan focuses on delivering accurate, clear, and timely stories that reflect the fast-moving pulse of the city.
At newsofaustin.com, Morgan reports on everything from severe weather alerts and traffic updates to city council decisions, crime reports, and the issues shaping daily life in Austin. Known for reliable fact-checking and a strong commitment to public-interest journalism, Morgan brings readers the information they need to stay informed and engaged.
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