US seeks ex-VP of Honduras on drug charges

US seeks ex-VP of Honduras on drug charges

January 05, 2016

TEGUCIGALPA: The United States has requested the extradition of former Honduran vice president Jaime Rosenthal, one of the country’s biggest tycoons, whom it accuses of drug trafficking and money laundering, Tegucigalpa has said.

The US Treasury Department announced in October that it was targeting the 79-year-old, his son Yani and his nephew Yankel “for their money laundering and drug trafficking activities.”

“It’s not a day of joy for Honduras, it’s not even close to a day of joy for the Rosenthal family, we all regret and would prefer that it did not happen, but the extradition request is in,” Foreign Minister Arturo Corrales told local media. Corrales said Honduras received the extradition request before Dec.24, but had been waiting for the document to be translated into Spanish.

He added that the elder Rosenthal, who was vice president from 1986 to 1989, suffers from “serious illness” and pointed out that legal action is already pending in Honduras against the influential businessman.

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