Former Peru President Toledo detained in U.S. on extradition request

Photo: EFE

13:47 | Menlo Park (U.S.), Jul. 16.

Former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo was arrested on Tuesday morning in the State of California, the United States, by an extradition order against him, the Public Ministry of Peru has informed.

The ex-Head of State is currently at his first appearance before U.S. judicial authorities as part of the process aimed at achieving his return to the South American country.

Alejandro Toledo is being investigated by the Peruvian Prosecutor's Office for the alleged commission of money laundering, collusion, and influence peddling crimes to the detriment of the Peruvian State.

The corresponding bail hearing will take place on July 19 in a Californian city.

In May 2018, Peru's Foreign Affairs Ministry sent the extradition request to the United States.

As is known, Toledo served as President between 2001 and 2006.

Odebrecht case

According to preliminary inquiries, former President Toledo had asked for a US$20 million bribe from Brazilian Odebrecht company representatives in Peru to grant them the concession for the construction of South Interoceanic Highway —Stretches 2 and 3.

This information was corroborated by Odebrecht's ex top representative in Peru Jorge Barata, who affirmed the bribes to the former top official had amounted to at least US$31 million, which had been paid in parts thru 2010.

In February 2017, Peru's Judicial Branch ordered the 18-month preventive detention of him on influence peddling and asset laundering charges, within the framework of the Odebrecht case. He was already in the U.S. at that time.

Según se informó, el exmandatario se encuentra en su primera comparecencia ante las autoridades judiciales norteamericanas, como parte del proceso orientado a lograr su retorno al país.
— Ministerio Público (@FiscaliaPeru) 16 de julio de 2019

(END) RSJ/FHG/MVB

Published: 7/16/2019

Video más visto

Former Peru President Toledo detained in U.S. on extradition request

Most read