Larnaca Police Capture Escaped Swedish Fraudster

Larnaca Police Capture Escaped Swedish Fraudster

Larnaca police have successfully recaptured a 49-year-old Swedish man who escaped custody from a private clinic. The fugitive, believed to be involved in one of Sweden’s most significant financial scandals, is expected to face a court hearing next week, where authorities will seek his extradition.

According to police reports, the man was apprehended late last night on the fifth floor of an unfinished building near the private clinic from which he had fled. Remarkably, he was still wearing handcuffs at the time of his arrest. He had been on the run for nearly 24 hours.

Hans Johnny Juwen, a Swedish national, was initially detained on December 6 at Larnaca Airport under a European arrest warrant. He is accused of committing financial crimes in Sweden between 2021 and 2024. Investigations suggest that Cyprus was intended as a transit point for Juwen, who had plans to move to another country. However, Cypriot authorities intervened and arrested him before he could leave the island.

On December 9, three days after his arrest, Juwen complained of chest pains and was admitted to a private clinic in Larnaca. He remained under police custody during his treatment, with his handcuffs secured. Despite this, over the weekend, he managed to free himself and escape through a window.

Following his escape, the police quickly released his photograph to the public. The officer assigned to guard him was suspended from duty.

Nearly 24 hours later, in a coordinated operation, the fugitive was found and taken back into custody.

According to the newspaper Phileleftheros, Juwen is a businessman who has been wanted by Swedish authorities for years. He is accused of orchestrating a fraud scheme involving millions of euros, making him a key figure in one of Sweden’s largest embezzlement scandals.