Two Norwegians accused of gross tax fraud were arrested last month in the United Arab Emirates. Norwegian authorities want them extradited.
According to Økokrim, the two men were arrested in Dubai a month ago and were in prison for a couple of days before they were released, writes Fædrelandsvennen.
They were released with restrictions so that they can not leave the country and now Norwegian authorities want them turned over, despite Norway having not having an extradition agreement with the Emirates.
The two men, both of whom are from Kristiansand, are 66 and 69 years old, respectively. They are accused of having swindled a total of NOK 35 million via the Skattefunn scheme, the biggest tax fraud of its kind ever.
The amount they are accused of having received through the scheme for alleged research and development work in Dubai. The scheme is intended to stimulate Norwegian companies for more research and development, and is granted in the form of tax deductions or cash payments.
According to Økokrim, the two men founded a large number of companies registered in Kristiansand and applied for Skattefunn support for IT projects. According to Økokrim, these projects were not completed.
The two men did not meet up in Kristiansand district court when the case was presented to the courts this March and international warrants were issued. Both have denied guilt in the case.
© NTB scanpix / #Norway Today
