Net closes in on ‘customs scam’ president as judge issues arrest warrant

An arrest warrant has been issued for Guatemalan president Otto Perez Molina, who faces prosecution for allegedly masterminding a huge fraud scheme. The development comes a day after he was stripped of his immunity from organised corruption charges against him. Under Guatemalan law, Mr Perez Molina, 64, will be automatically removed from office if remanded in custody by a criminal court.

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. Earlier, the president’s counsel filed a document saying Mr Perez Molina would co-operate with authorities, allowing him to appear before a judge freely without being taken into custody by force. After hearing the warrant had been issued, Mr Perez Molina’s attorney said the president would present himself to investigators on Thursday.

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

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