On Friday Spanish police issued an official statement saying it is aware of Egypt's international arrest warrant for Egyptian businessman Hussein Salem. Meanwhile a Spanish court set a huge bail for the release of the fugitive aide of Hosni Mubarak.
Senior judicial sources told Al-Masry Al-Youm that Spanish authorities officially received the Egyptian request on Friday morning, but as Spanish police investigated and arrested him before it arrived, it is suspected that Salem committed similar crimes in Spain.
Investigations into Salem will address charges brought by both Egyptian and Spanish authorities, the source said.
Salem will likely remain in custody so he doesn't flee the country, it added.
On whether Spain will hand Salem over to the Egyptian authorities, the source said the fact that Salem carries Spanish nationality may represent an obstacle, as Egyptian law permits the death penalty while Spanish law considers it a violation of human rights.
Salem was arrested, along with his son and an advisor, in Madrid on Wednesday for alleged involvement in money laundering. Spanish authorities froze 32 million euros of his assets as they are believed to have been acquired through illegal activities. They also froze assets in Madrid and Marbella worth 10 million euros, and five luxury vehicles.
The money was obtained illegally in Egypt and sent to Salem's bank accounts in Spain through a series of companies created by a Turkish frontman, it is alleged.
Salem faces charges of economic corruption, bribery and fraud as well as money laundering.
Meanwhile, Spain's national court set a record bail for his release. He appeared in court twice on Friday, once in connection with Egypt’s arrest warrant and then on charges of money laundering in Spain. The bail set in the separate hearings amounts to 27 million euros.
Salem was charged in Egypt with fraud and financial corruption last month along with Mubarak and the ex-president's two sons, Alaa and Gamal. Their trial is scheduled to start on 3 August.
The 77-year-old businessman is alleged to have won lucrative deals, including deals involving property and exporting gas, because of his connections to the president and his family. The gas deal came under severe public criticism because the resource was sold at reduced prices to Israel, which apparently led to Egypt losing out on millions of dollars.
Salem reportedly left Egypt on 3 February, eight days before Mubarak stepped down.
On Friday he was admitted to hospital for neurotic problems after his court appearance. His doctor said he is not in critical condition.
