Guatemala detains ex-VP who resigned amid graft scandal

Aug 21, 12:32 PM EDT

Guatemala detains ex-VP who resigned amid graft scandal

By SONIA PEREZ D.
Associated Press



Guatemala's former Vice President Roxana Baldetti

GUATEMALA CITY (AP) -- Police detained former Vice President Roxana Baldetti on Friday in connection with a customs corruption scandal that led to her resignation after her private secretary was implicated.

Prosecutor's office spokeswoman Julia Barrera confirmed the arrest and said more details would be released later. Baldetti is suspected of illicit association, customs fraud and graft.

. . .

Baldetti has denied involvement in the scandal at the customs agency, which involved kickbacks paid by businesspeople in return for lower import duties.

The ring known as "La Linea," or "The Line," was allegedly masterminded by Baldetti's aide, Juan Carlos Monzon Rojas.

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