Cyprus has revoked Roman Kazimierz Ziemian’s citizenship one month after his arrest in Montenegro over allegations that he defrauded users of approximately $21 million through the FutureNet digital currency trading platform.
Interpol officers in Podgorica arrested the Polish-born Ziemian on August 17 at the Master Quarter residential complex, where he was hiding under a false identity.
He is wanted on international arrest warrants issued by South Korea and Poland.
The suspect faces charges of money laundering, theft and legal violations that could carry a life sentence in South Korea.
Polish authorities are also seeking his extradition on fraud, theft and money laundering charges, which carry up to 10 years imprisonment.
Ziemian, along with his wife and son, obtained Cypriot citizenship through the “golden passports” programme by a Cabinet decision on August 28, 2019.
The family later changed their surname from Ziemian to Hortman.
Last year, police informed the Interior Ministry about Interpol’s warrants.
The crimes he is accused of are also punishable under Cypriot law, with money laundering carrying up to 14 years imprisonment or €500,000 fine, while conspiracy to commit a felony is punishable by up to 7 years or €50,000.
The extradition process is expected to take more than a year.
Warsaw Interpol has given Cypriot authorities permission to use the warrant information in citizenship revocation proceedings.
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