‘Customs scam’ Guatemala president resigns after judge issues arrest warrant

Guatemalan president Otto Perez Molina has resigned after a judge issued a warrant for his arrest for allegedly masterminding a multi-million-dollar fraud. His move came after he was stripped of immunity from organised corruption charges against him. Under Guatemalan law, Mr Perez Molina, 64, would be automatically removed from office if remanded in custody by a criminal court. However, his spokesman said he had stood down so he could confront “individually the proceedings against him”.

He will be very respectful and submit himself to the rule of law

Mr Perez Molina’s lawyer

Judge Miquel Angel Galvez issued the order on Wednesday on crimes of illicit association, fraud and receiving bribe money related to a widespread customs fraud ring in which the vice president has already been jailed and faces charges. Mr Perez Molina is expected to appear before a judge on Thursday. But his decision to stand down upsets the political landscape in the central American nation just days before voters go to the polls to elect a new president who will take office in 2016. Vice-president Alejandro Maldonado is to assume power until Perez’s successor is sworn in.

There’s a criminal case and we will go to trial and then a verdict. In my opinion and based on what I know of the case, it will have to be a conviction

Attorney general Thelma Aldana