Kosta Diamantis, a 70-year-old former budget deputy to Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, is currently at large in Greece after fleeing the United States to avoid a potential 12-year prison sentence. Federal prosecutors allege that Diamantis engaged in bribery and extortion, specifically shaking down contractors for multi-million-dollar school projects in Hartford and Tolland. A jury convicted him of these charges last fall, and he faces a second bribery trial in December related to a Medicaid audit. Diamantis drove to Florida three weeks ago, traveled to the Bahamas, and then flew to London using a newly obtained Greek passport before arriving in Greece approximately two days ago. He claims his prosecution is a political conspiracy orchestrated by the Lamont administration and has asserted his innocence in communications with investigative reporters. The FBI has issued a Red Notice to INTERPOL, and the State Department is coordinating with Greek authorities to locate and arrest him. Extradition experts note that while the process is feasible, it is likely to be lengthy, potentially taking several months due to Greek legal procedures and the country's strict stance on extraditing its citizens. Diamantis may be held in a Greek jail while the extradition proceedings unfold, with a hearing expected within two months of his location being confirmed. His sentencing in Connecticut is scheduled for September 30, regardless of his presence in court. The FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., are leading the investigation. Individuals with information regarding Diamantis’s whereabouts are urged to contact the FBI or local law enforcement in Connecticut.