Trial in absentia - literally just charge you under their laws and convict you without you ever being involved. They can apply to your country of residence to

Trial in absentia - literally just charge you under their laws and convict you without you ever being involved. They can apply to your country of residence to have you extradited to face punishment, but chances are the country you are residing in is not going to extradite you. Canada, for instance, will not extradite you for anything which is not also considered criminal in Canada. If you ever leave your country of residence, they can apply anywhere else you travel to try and have you arrested and extradited. One of those countries may have different rules, or the person getting handed your file may make a mistake or not care since you're a non-resident/non-citizen. If you are ever extradited to or intentionally travel to the country in question, you will face your punishment there. If you ever unintentionally travel to the country in question (plane lost an engine and you diverted there for emergency landing?) you will face your punishment there. All-in-all, not a big deal for most people. Not something I'd want hanging over my head though.