Extradited oil magnate John Deuss has come back to Bermuda for a visit after being granted permission to leave the Netherlands by prosecutors investigating an international tax scam.

The multi-millionaire has been on the Island for the last couple of weeks — and, according to close friend Sir John Swan, was delighted to return to the country he considers home.

The former Premier told The Royal Gazette that Mr. Deuss — who was voluntarily extradited to his homeland in October to answer questions about a complicated "carousel" fraud which has robbed European governments of millions of dollars in tax and allegedly involved his Caribbean-based First Curaçao International Bank — was due to leave yesterday or today but would not immediately return to Holland.

"He looked very normal," said Sir John. "I saw him on a number of occasions while he was here. He was very much in good spirits. He's now going to visit some of his other businesses. He's not heading back to Holland for quite a bit."

Mr. Deuss, 64, was arrested on arrival in the Netherlands in October and spent more than two months in custody before a judge released him on bail at the end of December. He denies any wrongdoing.

Valentine Hoen, a spokeswoman for the the Functional Office of the Dutch Public Prosecution Service, said he had been allowed to travel to the Island, where he has a luxury home in Shore Lane, Tucker's Town, and business offices in Flatts.

"In the bail conditions as set by the court it was ruled that the public prosecutor has the right to grant Mr. Deuss permission to travel, if so requested," she said. "On his request, Mr. Deuss has received such permission on this occasion."

Ms Hoen said Mr. Deuss, former chairman of Bermuda Commercial Bank, remained a suspect in the ongoing tax fraud investigation. "The investigation is being conducted as planned, its extensive scale notwithstanding," she added.

Sir John said Mr. Deuss was coping well in the Netherlands, living at his home there and running his business empire.

"He regards Bermuda as his home," he added. "He'd like to get back down to a normal life and get back to Bermuda and pick up his life."

He said his friend had not been questioned by investigators lately and had no idea when the inquiry might be concluded. "He has no control over that. That's up to the powers that be.

"Mr. Deuss is a man who is very disciplined and very intelligent. He's been in business for many, many years. He realises these things will come up. There has been no charge brought up against him. He just has to deal with things as they arise."