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Venezuela applies for extradition of former banker
The Venezuelan government formally requested United States authorities the extradition of Venezuelan businessman Eligio Cedeño. The banker is sought by the Venezuelan judiciary due to the alleged crime of diversion of funds from bank account holders, fraudulent acquisition of foreign exchange and aggravated smuggling.

The request was officially submitted to the US State Department by Venezuelan Embassy officials, reported on Thursday a press release issued by the Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Venezuelan government stated that the measure requested by its authorities is based upon a bilateral extradition treaty in force since 1922. Venezuela is requesting United States to send the defendant to Venezuela. In this way, Cedeño would be prosecuted at a Venezuela court.

The businessman was arrested in February 2007 for the irregular delivery of US dollars to a computer company. On December 10, Venezuelan Judge María Lourdes Afiuni granted conditional freedom to the banker.

Twelve days after his release, the former banker appeared in Florida, United States. Judge Afiuni was arrested. In both cases, defense attorneys have reported alleged violations of due process.

Upon entering to the United States, the businessman was held in custody by immigration authorities. They granted him conditional release. Cedeño's lawyer said that he would seek asylum in the United States, as he considers himself a victim of political persecution.

Last year, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice admitted the extradition request of Eligio Cedeño and clarified that the charges against Cedeño "were not political."
No, of course not ...
Posted by: Steve White 2010-04-24
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=295257