Brazil court confirms extradition of fugitive Lynn

The saga of fugitive Michael Lynn appeared to be finally over last night, as Brazil’s Supreme Court confirmed that his extradition could proceed as planned.

The court first ruled the former solicitor should be extradited in December 2014. However, a series of delaying tactics by Mr Lynn’s lawyers drew out the legal process, even as their client remained in a dirty and overcrowded jail he said was making him ill.

The decision comes nine years after he fled from justice and three years since he was arrested in his beach hideout near Recife.

Last night, the judges rejected a second attempt by Mr Lynn’s lawyers to “request clarification” of the original ruling. The petition had no chance of changing the substance of the judgement, but has delayed his extradition by months.

This time, Mr Lynn’s lawyers argued that the fact a lawyer had left his legal team during proceedings meant his defence was harmed. However, all five Supreme Court justices rejected that, saying he had other lawyers also working on the case.

Now, if there are no more delays, Brazil’s justice ministry will inform the Irish authorities that Mr Lynn will be extradited and the logistics will be negotiated via the county’s Federal Police. However, there is still no date set for extradition.

Mr Lynn faces 33 charges at Dublin’s High Court relating to an alleged €80m mortgage fraud, although some will be dropped as part of the extradition deal.