Ukrainian Serhiy Kuznetsov will be extradited from Italy to Germany on charges of sabotaging gas pipelines
Italy plans to extradite Ukrainian Serhiy Kuznetsov to Germany, who is suspected of being involved in the sabotage of the “Nord Stream” gas pipelines in 2022. The extradition became possible following a decision by the Supreme Court of Italy.
Kuznetsov was arrested on August 21 near Rimini on a European arrest warrant. German prosecutors suspect him of participating in sabotage against the Russian gas pipelines “Nord Stream.” According to the statement of the suspect’s defender, Nicola Canestrini, Kuznetsov denies all charges and is confident of being acquitted in a German court.
After his arrest, Kuznetsov declared a hunger strike in an Italian maximum-security prison, which he ended following the intervention of Ukrainian diplomats. The Italian appellate court granted permission for his extradition, but lawyers challenged this decision. On November 19, the Criminal Cassation Court confirmed the extradition.
This case has drawn attention to international investigations into attacks on critical infrastructure and highlighted the complexities of cooperation between law enforcement agencies of different countries. Experts point to potential diplomatic consequences in the relations between Ukraine, Germany, and Italy.
| Event | Date | Place | Case development |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kuznetsov’s arrest | August 21, 2022 | Rimini | Occurred on a European arrest warrant |
| Hunger strike in prison | November 4, 2022 | Italy | Cancelled after diplomatic intervention |
| Extradition approval | November 19, 2022 | Italy | Criminal Cassation Court decision |
| Extradition to Germany | November 27, 2022 | Italy-Germany | Expected based on court decision |
