VIENNA — Ukraine has formally requested the extradition of 27 individuals from Austria since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, but so far, only one case has been approved—and it wasn’t for corruption, reported by Puls 24.
According to Austria’s Ö1 Morgenjournal, citing the newspaper Der Standard, Ukrainian authorities are pursuing several high-profile suspects, including oligarchs, a former central bank governor, a former deputy minister, and an ex-member of parliament. The alleged crimes—corruption, embezzlement, and money laundering—amount to millions of euros.
While Vienna has long enjoyed a reputation as a neutral capital, reports suggest it’s gaining a new image: a safe haven for the wealthy and powerful seeking to escape Ukrainian justice. “Word is spreading that Vienna is a secure harbor to avoid the reach of Ukrainian law,” Der Standard reported, referencing Ukrainian media sources.
Austria’s Justice Ministry confirmed to APA (Austria Press Agency) that only one of the 27 extradition requests has been deemed admissible, adding that it cannot comment on individual cases. That single approved case, Der Standard noted, involved a voluntary extradition unrelated to corruption.
Since January 2023, Vienna’s regional criminal court has rejected all other extraditions to Ukraine. In March 2022, the Vienna Higher Regional Court also refused legal cooperation in a related case, arguing that if extradition poses a danger due to the war, then judicial assistance must also be withheld.
“The ongoing war in Ukraine presents a real risk to those extradited,” said court spokesperson Christina Salzborn.
By contrast, neighboring countries like Germany and Poland have proceeded with extraditions to Ukraine. Austria, however, may yet shift its stance. The Justice Ministry told ORF radio that it continues to monitor conditions in Ukrainian detention facilities. Just weeks ago, updated guidance on Ukraine was circulated to prosecutors and judges.
For now, though, justice remains a matter of geography—and politics.
