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The fugitive "president" of Peru, Toledo, arrested in the US

[Edited By: Gaurav]

Wednesday, 17th July , 2019 11:56 am

Former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo was arrested in the United States on Tuesday and faces extradition back to Peru, the South American country's justice minister said, as part of a broad corruption investigation that has trapped several political leaders. .

Toledo, who served as president from 2001 to 2006, is a fugitive from Peruvian justice for allegedly receiving $ 20 million from Brazilian construction company Odebrecht in exchange for help to obtain public works contracts.

Peru formally requested his extradition from the United States a year ago.

Toledo, 73, who was arrested in California, has repeatedly denied any crime.

Toledo's attorney in Peru, Heriberto Bentez, told local radio station RPP that the former president had not received due process in the investigation of Peruvian prosecutors.

Peru's justice minister Vicente Zeballos said Toledo will face an initial hearing later this week, which will determine whether the former president will be detained during the long process of seeking extradition from the United States.

"In round numbers, (the extradition) could take a year," said Zeballos. "The government is committed to a total fight against corruption."

It is likely that Toledo will have an additional bail hearing before the extradition process and could file a final legal appeal, Zeballos added.

Peru has faced a wave of political scandals related to corruption and, in particular, the case of Odebrecht. Former President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski was arrested at his home on charges of bribery related to the investigation.

Another former president, Alan García, shot himself in the head to avoid arrest in April, in relation to the supposed bribes of the Brazilian constructor.

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The fugitive "president" of Peru, Toledo, arrested in the US

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