Andina

President Vizcarra: Peru hired experienced extradition lawyers for Toledo case

11:25 | Tucume (Lambayeque region), Mar. 19.

President Martin Vizcarra has informed Peru hired the lawyers —who achieved the extradition of ex-President Ricardo Martinelli to Panama— for the extradition process involving former Head of State Alejandro Toledo, who resides in the United States.

In this sense, the documentation and corresponding foundations were prepared by the Judicial Branch and processed by the Foreign Affairs Ministry. 

"We are making the comprehensive follow-up," the top official expressed.

According to the statesman, the recent incident involving Toledo —who was arrested in the United States for being drunk— was unfortunate, but it is a separate issue from the extradition process

Likewise, President Vizcarra stressed the extradition request submitted by the Peruvian State remains in place independently. 

Toledo arrested in California

On Monday, Peru's Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed that ex-President Alejandro Toledo was arrested in San Mateo County —south of San Francisco— for being drunk at a local restaurant.

His release took place in conformity with U.S. legal requirements as such behavior did not constitute an offense that requires greater time in jail.

Wanted in Peru

As is known, Alejandro Toledo is accused of allegedly having received millions in bribes from the Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht to secure the Inter-Oceanic Highway contract, a major infrastructure venture connecting Peru and Brazil.

It must be noted this transaction was allegedly made when he was President of Peru (2001-2006).  

In this sense, the former Head of State is indicted on charges of collusion, money laundering, and influence peddling.

As a result, Peruvian authorities ordered his preventive detention in 2017 and later issued an international arrest warrant for extradition purposes

(END) VVS/CCR/DTK/MVB

Published: 3/19/2019