Ukrainian suspect in Nord Stream bombing case extradited to Germany
Kyiv • UNN
The German prosecutor's office confirmed to the media that Ukrainian Kuznetsov, suspected of organizing the Nord Stream bombing, was extradited from Italy to Germany.
As reported by DPA, the Ukrainian has already been transferred from Italy to Germany – this was confirmed by the German federal prosecutor's office. He is suspected of coordinating the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipeline in 2022, writes UNN.
Details
Ukrainian Serhiy Kuznetsov, identified in Germany as Serhiy K. due to confidentiality rules, was brought to Germany after the Italian Supreme Court ruled last week on his extradition. The transfer of the suspect was announced by a spokesman for the German federal prosecutor's office.
The explosions on the Nord Stream gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea, which Moscow and Western governments called an act of sabotage, effectively stopped the transit of Russian gas to Europe. The investigation into those involved has been ongoing for several years.
According to German prosecutors, Ukrainian Kuznetsov could have been part of a group that planted explosive devices near the island of Bornholm. He is charged with conspiracy to commit an explosion, unconstitutional sabotage, and destruction of critical infrastructure.
The suspect denies the charges. His lawyer, Nicola Canestrini, emphasized that Kuznetsov "denies any involvement in the attacks" and expressed confidence in his future acquittal.
The Ukrainian was arrested on a European arrest warrant in August in Rimini, Italy, but the extradition process was postponed several times.