Versión Español
EspañolOn Tuesday, a Salvadoran judge issued an arrest warrant for former President Francisco Flores (1999-2004), accused of misappropriation and embezzlement. Flores allegedly diverted US$15 million into his own account from funds donated to El Salvador by the government of Taiwan in 2001 after earthquakes rocked the Central American country.
The former president’s bank accounts have been frozen, and Salvadoran authorities believe he may be living in Panama. Authorities report that should Flores not be found over the next few days, they will seek assistance from Interpol.
The Salvadoran people were made aware of the case through current President Mauricio Funes’s radio and television program. Funes stated the US government was investigating Flores due to suspicious bank activity.
According to the information available, the money in question would have been donated by Taiwan’s former president Chen Shui-bian, who was tried and sentenced to 17 years in prison on corruption charges.
Edgar Morales, defense attorney for Flores, denied the allegations and claimed the prosecution has no foundation to support its case.
Source: BBC Mundo.
