Versión Español
EspañolUS prosecutors are seeking prison time for former Guatemalan President Alfonso Portillo, since he has admitted to taking US$2.5 million in bribes from Taiwan and laundering it through US banks.
Portillo, president of Guatemala from 2000 to 2004, was extradited to the United States in May 2013.
The US government initially accused Portillo of laundering tens of millions of dollars from embezzlement schemes. Portillo pled guilty to a charge of money laundering conspiracy in March, but he said US$2.5 million was actually a bribe from Taiwan in exchange for Guatemala’s continued diplomatic recognition.
The US government is asking for what would be a range of 57 to 71 months of jail time. Sentencing before US District Judge Robert Patterson is scheduled for May 22.
Source: Reuters.
