Former Connecticut Official Becomes Fugitive in Greece After Corruption Conviction

A former senior budget official for Connecticut’s Democratic governor has become a fugitive in Greece after fleeing the United States before his sentencing on corruption charges. Konstantinos “Kosta” Diamantis, 70, who also served as a Democratic state representative, was convicted last year by a federal jury of extorting thousands of dollars in bribes from private contractors between 2018 and 2021. He is accused of exchanging these bribes for helping companies secure work on multimillion-dollar school construction projects.

Diamantis’ lawyer, Norman Pattis, informed a federal judge on Thursday that his client was in Greece. Diamantis had previously sent Pattis a 10-page email alleging Governor Ned Lamont weaponized the justice system against him, denying any wrongdoing, and stating the prosecution had ruined his life and reputation. He could have faced over 10 years in prison at his sentencing.

Federal prosecutors detailed Diamantis' escape route, stating he traveled by boat from Florida to the Bahamas before boarding a plane to London. Although he had surrendered his U.S. passport, he obtained a Greek passport. Pattis confirmed he spoke with Diamantis by phone on Wednesday night, learning he was in Greece and would not attend his sentencing.

U.S. District Judge Stefan Underhill has rescheduled Diamantis’ sentencing for September 30, with or without his attendance. The prospects of his return to the U.S. are uncertain, as Greek courts have previously upheld the principle that extradition of Greek nationals is forbidden. Diamantis holds both American and Greek citizenship.

Connecticut officials condemned Diamantis’ actions, with Governor Lamont stating in a release that Diamantis “betrayed the public’s trust” and that his efforts to “skirt justice are shameful.” State Attorney General William Tong called his disappearance “a shameful insult” and vowed to continue efforts to protect state interests.

During the trial, witnesses testified that Diamantis received cash payments in various locations, including a restaurant men's room, a doughnut shop, and his home. Payments were sometimes referred to in messages as “birthday cards,” “pars,” and “birdies.” Diamantis testified in his own defense, admitting to receiving the money but characterizing it as legitimate consulting income.

Diamantis faces another pending federal criminal case, in which he is accused of taking bribes to halt a state audit of an eye doctor implicated in Medicaid fraud. In the school construction grants case, prosecutors sought a prison sentence of 10 to 12 years, while his defense attorney argued for a sentence without incarceration, accompanied by strict release conditions. Pattis expressed surprise at his client's flight, stating, “as a lawyer, I cannot support his decision… But as a fellow human being, I understand why he did what he did.”