Austrian Court Blocks Extradition of Ukrainian Tycoon in Bribery Case

Austrian courts have blocked the extradition of Ukrainian businessman Dymitro Firtash to the US, tied to a bribery scheme in India. Despite initial rulings allowing extradition, courts have now halted proceedings pending new evidence, as Firtash denies allegations amid drawn-out legal battles and appeals.

An Austrian court has decided not to extradite Ukrainian businessman Dymitro Firtash to the United States, marking a pivotal moment in a protracted legal saga involving bribery allegations linked to titanium mining in India.

The Vienna State Court announced on November 7 that extradition is impermissible, as reported by the Austria Press Agency. Prosecutors in Vienna have announced plans to challenge the decision, with a deadline set for December 16 to file an appeal.

Firtash faces accusations from a US indictment alleging conspiracy to bribe Indian officials for titanium mining projects. Despite a Chicago judge's ruling affirming US jurisdiction, extradition has been subject to numerous legal twists since his 2014 arrest in Austria, where he was released on substantial bail.

(With inputs from agencies.)