The Serbian Court of Appeals has rejected Kristijan Krstic’s bid to avoid extradition to the United States, moving US authorities closer to prosecuting him for alleged fraud. Krstic faces criminal and civil charges in the US, where authorities accuse him of orchestrating an elaborate international fraud scheme.

The extradition process has been lengthy. A Belgrade court initially approved Krstic's transfer to the US. This decision was appealed and subsequently overturned by the Belgrade Court of Appeals, citing uncertainties. The case then returned to the High Court, which again affirmed the extradition. A further appeal led to a hearing on June 25th, where the Court of Appeals confirmed that the conditions stipulated in the extradition treaty between the US and Serbia were met. This marks the conclusion of the judicial phase; the final decision now rests with Serbia’s Minister of Justice.

US officials allege Krstic, along with ten associates, operated as an organized criminal group since 2011. Prosecutors claim these individuals defrauded victims out of more than $70 million through at least sixteen distinct scam operations. Krstic’s defense team has argued that no crime occurred because no victim statements have been formally filed in the proceedings.

Krstic’s wife, Xenia Faye Atilano Krstic, who gave birth after her arrest last July, is currently under house arrest. The couple has four children, and custody has been removed from them. Following the appeals court’s rejection of her own appeal, Xenia issued a direct plea to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. She described her husband as the father of four children with her, noting their ages range from seven months to fourteen years. Xenia expressed deep distress over the prospect of extradition, stating it infringes upon her human rights and would lead to separation from her children. She appealed to the President for help, asserting their past happiness and denying any wrongdoing.

The US Department of Justice has presented evidence suggesting Xenia’s active involvement. Court documents allege she used her own name and aliases to register domain names for investment platforms connected to the scheme. This contradicts any claims of her being unaware of her husband's alleged activities.

The case awaits a final decision from Serbia’s Minister of Justice.