Appeals court orders Russian national’s extradition over alleged space programme fraud

Nicosia, Cyprus. The appeals court on Monday ordered the extradition of a Russian national to Russia to stand trial over alleged fraud involving a state-funded space programme valued at more than €160 million. The court also ordered his detention until he is handed over to Russian authorities.

Extradition ruling

The decision overturns a November 2025 ruling by Paphos district court, which rejected the extradition request on the grounds that it had not been demonstrated that the Russian arrest warrant remained in force.

The attorney general appealed the decision, arguing that the warrant was still valid. The appeals court agreed, finding no legal basis for concluding that the warrant had expired.

The judges said the lower court had not properly considered evidence that was important to the case.

Alleged fraud case

The case concerns a Russian government-funded space programme with a budget of 15.15 billion roubles.

The man, who worked for a Russian space company and is believed to have held a senior decision-making role, is accused of helping secure a 1.32 billion rouble contract for a particular company without a competitive tender.

According to the allegations, about 478 million roubles was used for the project, while around 840 million roubles, valued at about €7.8 million, was distributed among members of the group and transferred through financial transactions.

Arrest in Cyprus

The man was arrested in Cyprus in November 2024 under a provisional warrant.

The justice minister authorised extradition proceedings the following month.