Sigurður Einarsson, former CEO of Kaupþing Bank, has hired a top British solicitor who specialises in defending white-collar workers, namely Ian Burton (pictured right). Sigurður appears to be in safe hands, Chambers UK claims “[Ian] knows everyone and has seen it all before, which is very comforting to clients,” and that he’s “the iconic and polished all rounder.” No lightweight then. Sigurður was called in for questioning this week, yet remains in London.

According to Burton, Sigurður cannot be arrested in the UK because his arrest warrant is invalid outside of Iceland. The warrant was issued by Interpol at the wish of the Special Investigative Committee, an Icelandic body set up to investigate the financial collapse. Sigurður remains on Interpol’s wanted list, and so can lay claim to be being one of the few Icelanders to ever appear on the blessed list.

Sigurður has said that he will return to Iceland on the condition that he is not immediately arrested upon arrival. However, if evidence of any crime is found, then the Icelandic authorities can appeal to the UK for him to be extradited. With Burton on his side though, this may be more unlikely than likely. A quick search on the Internet reveals that Burton and his legal firm has been involved in defending many serious fraud cases in recent years, with such diverse clients as UK Members of Parliament and singer Amy Winehouse. We’ll keep you posted as this case develops, should be an interesting ride!

Sources: mbl.is, telegraph.co.uk
Image: BCL BurtonCopeland

Labels: Crime, Kreppa