Extradition trial begins for Griveas

The attorney representing the Greek state in its case maintains that the pair is being charged with fraud and money laundering, which are crimes even according to UK law, and should be extradited.

The first day of the hearing was taken up by interpretations of the warrant since it's not clear if Mr Griveas and Ms Vatsika are being sued for infidelity or fraud. The defense pleaded that the charges do not involve fraud, but infidelity towards the firm, which is not a crime under UK law.

The defense also maintained that the loam the couple took out was given through data that was absolutely correct, also maintaining that if the loan was given unjustly it was the creditor's fault.

Professor of law at the Athens law school Ilias Anagnostopoulos speaking through video conferencing also maintained there was a discrepancy between the charges and the warrant, something which he called a novelty. Mr Anagnostopoulos also noted that others charged in the case have been released on bail, while the couple if extradited will face jail time, and doubted the guarantees of the Greek state for good and humane jail conditions.

Mr Anagnostopoulos, also opined that the couple would be under psychological duress and unable to prepare their defense correctly, and maintained that they could not be deemed a public menace.

The court will hear expert testimony tomorrow, and will wind down on Thursday with closing statements. A verdict could be given by Friday.