Konstantinos "Kosta" Diamantis, a 70-year-old former senior budget official and state representative for Connecticut, is currently a fugitive in Greece after fleeing the United States ahead of his scheduled sentencing for federal corruption charges. Diamantis, who holds dual American and Greek citizenship, is wanted for his role in a bribery scheme involving multimillion-dollar school construction contracts. He was convicted by a federal jury last year of extorting private contractors for thousands of dollars in bribes between 2018 and 2021. In exchange for steering contracts to specific companies, Diamantis allegedly demanded and received cash payments, which witnesses testified were handed to him in envelopes at various locations, including a restaurant and a doughnut shop. Although Diamantis admitted to receiving the funds, he maintained that the money constituted legitimate consulting income. Federal prosecutors in Bridgeport had sought a prison sentence of 10 to 12 years for the former official. Diamantis fled the U.S. by traveling by boat from Florida to the Bahamas and then boarding a plane to London, before ultimately arriving in Greece. He surrendered his U.S. passport but obtained a Greek passport, complicating efforts to bring him back to the United States. Greek courts have previously upheld the principle that extradition of Greek nationals is forbidden, casting doubt on the prospects of his return. Diamantis sent a 10-page email to his attorney accusing Governor Ned Lamont of weaponizing the justice system against him and denying any wrongdoing. He claimed his life and reputation were ruined by the prosecution and expressed hope that the Trump administration would review his case. Connecticut officials, including Governor Lamont and Attorney General William Tong, have condemned Diamantis' actions as a betrayal of public trust and have moved to stop his state pension payments. U.S. District Judge Stefan Underhill has set a new sentencing date for September 30, which will proceed regardless of Diamantis' attendance. Authorities are urging the public to contact the FBI or local law enforcement with any information regarding Diamantis' whereabouts.