A former Connecticut state official has fled to Greece just before he was due to receive his sentence for a federal corruption conviction. Greek-American Konstantinos “Kosta” Diamantis, 70, told his lawyer on Wednesday that he was already in Greece and did not plan to return to the United States. His lawyer then informed the federal court in Connecticut.
Judge Stefan Underhill had scheduled Diamantis’ sentencing for September 17. After learning that he had left the country, the judge moved the hearing to September 30. The hearing can proceed whether Diamantis attends or not.
Who Is Konstantinos Diamantis?
Diamantis served as director of Connecticut’s Office of School Construction Grants and Review. The agency oversees state funding for school construction projects.
Federal prosecutors accused him of using his position to pressure contractors for bribes. They said he used his influence between 2018 and 2021 to help companies obtain or keep state-funded contracts worth about $8.5 million.
A federal jury convicted Diamantis in October 2025 on 21 counts. The charges included extortion, bribery, conspiracy and making false statements to FBI agents.
Ex Connecticut budget official Konstantinos Diamantis flees to Greece before corruption sentencehttps://t.co/ybT74oT3Kr
— Jerry Dean Bowers (@vipertoxin) September 18, 2026
Diamantis Left the U.S. Before Sentencing
Federal prosecutors said Diamantis traveled from Florida to the Bahamas by boat. He then flew to London before continuing to Greece.
Diamantis had surrendered his U.S. passport. His lawyer said he had also obtained a Greek passport during the case. Prosecutors had previously opposed his requests to travel to Greece.
The FBI said its New Haven office was working with law enforcement partners to locate him. Authorities have not publicly disclosed his exact location in Greece.
Prosecutors Seek 10 to 12 Years
Federal prosecutors have asked the judge to sentence Diamantis to 10 to 12 years in prison.
His lawyer has asked the court to avoid prison and impose home confinement instead. He cited Diamantis’ age and financial losses during the case.
Diamantis has denied wrongdoing and accused Connecticut officials of politically targeting him. Those claims come from Diamantis and his legal team. They do not alter the federal jury’s 2025 convictions.
What Happens Now?
Diamantis holds both American and Greek citizenship. His Greek citizenship could complicate any U.S. effort to bring him back for sentencing.
The United States and Greece have legal mechanisms covering extradition, but the treatment of citizens can raise additional legal questions. The precise outcome would depend on the applicable treaty provisions and Greek authorities.
Diamantis also faces a separate federal case. Prosecutors accuse him of taking bribes to stop a state audit involving a doctor suspected of Medicaid fraud.
For now, Diamantis remains in Greece. His next scheduled U.S. sentencing hearing is September 30.
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