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Fugitive ex-president of Peru arrested in US, faces extradition

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Fugitive ex-president of Peru arrested in US, faces extradition

The long arm of the law has caught up with former Peruvian president, Alejandro Toledo who was arrested in the United States on Tuesday and faces extradition back to Peru.

According to Peruvian Justice Minister Vicente Zeballos, Toledo’s arrest and possible extradition is part of a sweeping corruption probe that has snared several political leaders.

Zeballos said Toledo would face an initial hearing later this week, which will determine whether the former president will be detained during the lengthy process of seeking his extradition from the United States.

“In round numbers, (extradition) could take a year,” Zeballos said. “The government is engaged in a full-on fight against corruption.”

Read also: Another Palestinian detainee dies in solitary confinement in Israeli prison

Toledo would likely have a further bail hearing before the extradition process and could potentially file a final legal appeal, Zeballos added.

Toledo, who served as president from 2001 to 2006, is a fugitive from Peruvian justice for allegedly receiving $20 million from the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht [ODBES.UL] in exchange for aid to win 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 wrongdoing.

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