A 49-year-old Swedish man will serve as the prosecution’s key witness against a lawyer and a police officer accused of aiding his escape from a private clinic in Larnaca last December, it was heard on Thursday.

The development was announced before the Larnaca Criminal Court by the prosecuting authority, which revealed that the criminal charges against the Swedish national and two other defendants on conspiracy to commit a felony had been suspended to allow his testimony.

The 54-year-old lawyer and the 44-year-old police officer pleaded not guilty to six charges before the court on Thursday. Among other accusations, the lawyer is charged with assisting a prisoner and money laundering, while the police officer faces charges of abuse of power, aiding a prisoner’s escape and corruption.

The Swedish national’s sentencing, originally scheduled for Thursday, was postponed until March 28.

The case dates back to December 22, when the Swedish man, who was under police guard at a Larnaca private clinic for acute gastroenteritis and chest pain, managed to flee. He was arrested the next day in an unfinished apartment building in central Larnaca.

Authorities had initially detained him on December 6 at Larnaca airport under a European arrest warrant issued by Sweden. He is accused of financial crimes amounting to approximately €90 million in his home country.

Investigators claim the lawyer and the police officer orchestrated his escape. The lawyer, reportedly introduced to the Swede by the officer, allegedly attempted to arrange a marriage to facilitate his legal stay in Cyprus. Evidence, including handwritten notes and photographs linked to wedding plans, has been presented.

Authorities have also uncovered messages detailing financial transactions, favours and escape plans. Reports suggest the police officer provided the Swede with phone cards and other items, while the Swede transferred money and a luxury car to the lawyer.

In light of the case, two additional police officers have been suspended pending an internal inquiry into their possible involvement. The investigation continues, as authorities examine all evidence linked to the escape and potential corruption within the police force.

The trial is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with the Swedish national’s testimony anticipated to play a key role in the prosecution’s case.