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U.S. Judge denies ex-Peru President Toledo's release on bail

13:47 | San Francisco (U.S.), Sep. 12.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Hixson on Thursday denied the request made by the defense of ex-President Alejandro Toledo —who is wanted in Peru over corruption charges— to release him on bail during the extradition process.

In this sense, the magistrate dismissed the new evidence provided by Toledo's attorney and ratified the decision initially made in July.

Therefore, Toledo will face his extradition process detained in a U.S. cell.

Likewise, the judge described the former president as someone who has connections, as well as people close to him with great assets, and a place to flee.

As is known, the Peruvian Prosecutor's Office has indicated several times that Israel might have been Toledo's destination if he had fled, as his wife —Eliane Karp— is an Israeli citizen, and Peru does not have an extradition agreement with that country.

At the end of the hearing, Karp began shouting and insulting people. Thus, she was removed from the courtroom.

On this occasion, Judge Hixson scheduled the first hearing of the extradition trial for October 17 at 10 AM (local time).

In August, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California decided to call for a new hearing in order to make a decision on the request.

Furthermore, in a statement sent to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, Assistant U.S. Attorney Elise LaPunzina pointed out Toledo himself asked for the special security measures in jail, which included solitary confinement.

Last Tuesday, it was reported Toledo's defense may have offered a US$1 million bail with the purpose of regaining his freedom.

According to local media outlets, US$10,000 was offered to be paid in cash and two properties of close friends would be given as warranty.

Toledo is wanted by the Peruvian justice to face an investigation into the alleged bribes worth US$35 million paid by Brazilian company Odebrecht over the concession for the development of the South Interoceanic Highway during his term in office (2001-2006).

July Audience

Ex-Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006) will face his extradition process detained in a U.S. cell, said U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas S. Hixson on July 19.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Elise LaPunzina —who represented the Peruvian State— was in charge of supporting the complaint against Toledo and the need for the ex-President to remain detained during the extradition process.

Toledo's attorney was Joseph P. Russoniello on that occasion.

According to Peruvian El Comercio newspaper, LaPunzina indicated the ex-President did not prove that he complies with the special conditions to be released on bond and underlined there is a considerable risk of flight.

Moreover, she stressed that a bag containing at least US$40,000 in cash was found inside Toledo's house when he was detained, adding these funds could be intended for escaping.

After listening to the arguments, U.S. Magistrate Judge Hixson asked if the money found in Toledo's house was intended for escaping.

His wife Eliane Karp —who was born in Europe and became First Lady of Peru (2001-2006)— was also present at the bail hearing.

Later, Karp insulted Peruvian Lava Jato Case Special Prosecution Group Coordinator Rafael Vela, who travelled from Lima to the Bay Area to attend the event.

According to the Peruvian Prosecutor's Office, Toledo received up to US$35 million in bribes from Brazilian construction company Odebrecht to favor it during his presidency (2001-2006) with the concession of the South Interoceanic Highway. With this money, the former president paid mortgages and properties in Peru.

Toledo detained in the U.S.

As is known, former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo was arrested in the United States by an extradition order against him, within the framework of the investigations over alleged corruption offenses in the awarding of the South Interoceanic Highway Project to Brazilian company Odebrecht.

The Peruvian Public Ministry's International Judicial Cooperation and Extraditions Unit (UCJIE) Head Senior Prosecutor Celia Goicochea indicated the detention took place on July 16, 2019, at 6:30 AM (local time) in the State of California.

Goicochea recalled the extradition request was submitted to United States' authorities on May 25, 2018.

After U.S. authorities' questions were addressed, the Department of Justice notified the Public Ministry's UCJIE on July 2 that the arrest order was being prepared in order to extradite the ex-President.

Click here to read the facts of the extradition request against Toledo.

(END) FHG/DTK/MVB

Published: 9/12/2019

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U.S. Judge denies ex-Peru President Toledo's release on bail

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