The Supreme Court of Cyprus has rejected a legal challenge against the detention of a Russian national in Larnaca, confirming the lawfulness of his arrest and continued custody amid extradition proceedings to the United States. The man was arrested on May 9 at Larnaca airport following an Interpol notice regarding alleged conspiracy and money laundering offences dating from April 2023 to June 2025.

The detainee's lawyers argued that his arrest lacked a formal extradition request and proposed conditional release measures. However, the Larnaca district court ordered him to remain in custody until June 30, citing a significant flight risk due to his tourist status and lack of local ties. The Supreme Court ruled that custody was properly ordered under relevant extradition laws and treaties and that procedural objections must be addressed through other legal channels.

Furthermore, the court noted that the detention period respected treaty limits and that appeal rights only arise after the full extradition hearing begins. Consequently, the challenge was dismissed, and the applicant was ordered to pay €800 in costs.