US seeks to extradite Irish passport holder

A COURT in the Bahamas is expected to rule shortly on attempts by the US government to extradite Irish passport holder Viktor Kozeny to face bribery and international money laundering charges.

Kozeny, a 42-year-old businessman born in the Czech Republic, is wanted by the US authorities over his alleged role in defrauding investors of €150 million in a scheme linked to a state oil company in Azerbaijan.

However, he is likely to remain in the Bahamas even after the court’s ruling as the local authorities also consider a request for his extradition from the Czech Republic.