The Peruvian Judiciary has requested the extension of the preventive detention request for extradition purposes against former President Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006), holed up in the United States, over collusion allegations.
The decision was grounded on the fact the case meets the requirements stipulated in the Peru-U.S. Extradition Treaty, namely probable cause for collusion, the double criminality principle (the crime is punishable in both Peru and the U.S.) and the non-expiry of the crime.
The case file —corresponding documents, witness and plea-bargain statements included— was thus submitted to the International Cooperation Unit and INTERPOL-Lima for all pertinent purposes.
The Peruvian Prosecutor's Office claims
Toledo colluded with former Odebrecht representative in Peru
Jorge Simoes Barata to favor the Brazilian conglomerate in bidding to build the Peru-Brazil Interoceanic Highway.
In turn, Odebrecht would have paid the former President a US$20 million bribe, US$9 million of which were allegedly wired through offshore firms linked to his friend, Israeli businessman
Josef Maiman Rapaport.
Toledo thus faces an 18-month pretrial detention order on influence peddling and money laundering charges, issued by the Peruvian Judiciary last February.
(END) NDP/SMA/DHT/MVB