Former Kaupthing chairman Sigurður Einarsson – currently residing in the UK and wanted by Interpol for counterfeiting, forgery and fraud – is in a state of legal limbo, as Britain might not be obligated to extradite him.
As reported, Sigurður was asked by special prosecutor Ólafur Þór Hauksson to come in for questioning, but Sigurður said he would only come to Iceland on the condition that he wouldn’t be arrested. The special prosecutor subsequently filed charges with Interpol.
However, RÚV reports that as Iceland is not a signatory of a European extradition treaty, the UK is under no obligation to send the man back to Iceland in the event that he is caught. Should he leave Britain, however, Interpol could immediately arrest him.
On the other hand, Vísir is now reporting that Scotland Yard has not formally rejected Iceland’s request to arrest and extradite Sigurður. Minister of Justice Ragna Árnadóttir told reporters that even if they do, the British are still legally obligated to assist Iceland in this matter.
For now, Sigurður does not appear to be going anywhere any time soon. Icelandic authorities are currently exploring other legal avenues.