Vladimir Antonov expected to be extradited to Lithuania by May 28

Lithuania’s Criminal Police Bureau has confirmed that Vladimir Antonov, the convicted former shareholder of the collapsed Snoras bank, should be transferred from France to Lithuania no later than May 28, following a final ruling by France’s highest court.

The bureau told the Baltic News Service (BNS) that Antonov must be handed over within 10 to 15 days of the court’s May 13 decision, though the deadline could be extended in exceptional circumstances. “Individuals must be transferred within the shortest possible time—no later than 10 calendar days for a European Arrest Warrant or 15 days for extradition,” said bureau spokesperson Jelena Sirgėdienė, adding that delays could occur if both countries agree.

Antonov, who had been hiding in France under a different name, was detained in December after Lithuania issued a European Arrest Warrant. The French Court of Cassation rejected his appeal on May 13, clearing the way for extradition. The Criminal Police Bureau stated that transport—by air, sea, or road—will begin once Lithuania’s Prosecutor General’s Office, which issued the warrant, formally requests the transfer. The bureau will then assign officers to carry out the procedure.

Antonov and fellow former Snoras shareholder Raimondas Baranauskas, believed to be in hiding in Russia, were convicted in Lithuania for eight deliberate financial crimes, including embezzlement totaling €509.18 million and causing €466.67 million in damages to the bank and its creditors. Antonov was identified as the main organizer of the scheme. Both men were also ordered to repay €375.18 million in damages and forfeit €105 million in illicitly obtained assets.

Snoras was nationalized and shut down in late 2011, with its liquidation extended until the end of next year. Lithuania’s Court of Appeals is set to review the case on June 29; prosecutors hope Antonov will be present in person by then.