Greek Supreme Court Orders Release of Israeli Mining Tycoon Beny Steinmetz
In a pivotal legal turn, Greece’s Supreme Court has ordered the release of Israeli mining tycoon Beny Steinmetz, who has been in custody since October 2024. The court made the impactful ruling against his extradition to Romania, effectively reversing a earlier decision by a lower court.
Key Details of the Case
- Steinmetz was initially detained by Greek authorities on October 13, 2024, after arriving at Athens International Airport.
- Following his initial release under restrictions, he found himself detained once more in January when a judicial panel favored his extradition to Romania.
- The arrest warrant against Steinmetz stems from allegations that he was part of a group attempting to unlawfully secure land rights in Romania.
- His legal representatives have strongly rejected the accusations, labeling Romania’s extradition request as “abusive” and “unfounded.”
Legal Proceedings and Outcome
- In January 2025, an appeals court in Athens ruled for Steinmetz’s extradition to Romania.
- Steinmetz subsequently appealed the decision to the Greek Supreme Court.
- On March 5, 2025, the Supreme Court accepted his appeal, leading to his release.
- Steinmetz has been released on bail set at €5,000.
- He is now anticipated to be permitted to leave Greece.
Background on Beny Steinmetz
Born on April 2, 1956, in Netanya, Israel, Beny Steinmetz has cultivated a notable presence in sectors including mining, energy, real estate, and diamonds. Here are some highlights from his illustrious career along with notable legal challenges:
- He is the founder of Beny Steinmetz Group Resources (BSGR), a firm involved in various natural resource sectors such as oil & gas, mining, and power.
- Steinmetz has been part of several high-stakes business transactions, one of the most significant being the acquisition of mining rights in Guinea’s Simandou iron ore project.
- His career has not been free from legal woes, including a conviction in Switzerland for allegedly offering bribes to obtain mining rights in Guinea.
- At present, he is appealing a three-year prison sentence in Switzerland, of which 18 months has been suspended.
Implications and Future Prospects
The decision by the Greek Supreme Court is a notable victory for Steinmetz amidst his ongoing legal challenges. However, challenges remain on several fronts:
- Steinmetz is actively appealing his conviction in Switzerland, which is currently under review by the country’s Supreme Court.
- The outcome of this appeal could significantly affect his business operations and legal standing.
- This ruling may also influence ongoing investigations and legal actions related to Steinmetz’s business dealings in multiple jurisdictions.
This case exemplifies the intricate international legal challenges facing high-profile business individuals and the hurdles associated with cross-border law enforcement.
Additional Resources
For deeper insights into the life and legal challenges of Beny Steinmetz, check out the following resources:
