Former Finance Official Wanted for Corruption Flees Abroad
A former senior finance and budget official in the US state of Connecticut has suddenly disappeared. This occurred just before he was scheduled to attend his sentencing hearing for corruption and bribery charges in Bridgeport on Thursday local time.
He is suspected of fleeing to Greece by ship and plane. The man, identified as Konstantino ‘Kosta’ Diamantis (70), is now a fugitive.
According to ABC, the situation came to light following a statement from his lawyer, Norman Pattis, who noted that Diamantis had contacted him from Greece. Prosecutors stated that he managed to obtain a Greek passport shortly before fleeing. His trial is still scheduled for 30 September and will proceed in his absence.
How the Case Began
The case against Diamantis, who is also a former member of the State Assembly, dates back to 2018. During that period, he allegedly extorted private contractors for bribes amounting to thousands of dollars until 2021. These bribes were provided in exchange for his assistance in ensuring those companies retained or secured multi-million dollar school construction contracts.
In a ten-page email to his lawyer, he alleged that there were political motives behind the case. He accused Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont of involvement and of using the judicial system as a weapon against him. He denied any wrongdoing, stating that his life, reputation, and family relationships had been destroyed by the prosecution. If found guilty, he faces a potential prison sentence of more than 10 years.
How He Escaped
Authorities and Diamantis’s lawyer, Norman Pattis, have not specified exactly when Diamantis left the US. However, it is reported that he flew to the United Kingdom after travelling to the Bahamas by ship.
Federal prosecutors confirmed this route, stating that he travelled by ship from Florida to the Bahamas, before taking a flight to London.
“His disappearance this morning is a shameful insult to every citizen of Connecticut and will not deter our efforts to fully protect the interests of the state and taxpayer money,” a prosecutor said.
It remains unknown whether Diamantis can be extradited, as Greek courts enforce non-extradition provisions for Greek citizens.
“Kosta Diamantis has betrayed the public trust and must be held accountable for his actions,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “His repeated attempts to evade the legal process are truly disgraceful. I hope he is apprehended soon and faces the legal consequences as quickly as possible.”