The former President of Panama is back in the Central American country to face embezzlement and illegal wiretapping charges.
Ricardo Martinelli Berrocal was extradited today from South Florida.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John Cronan says, "This extradition is a testament to the Department of Justice’s commitment to honoring our extradition treaty obligations. I especially thank the hard-working attorneys and international affairs specialists in the Office of International Affairs, as well as our partners in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District Florida, for their tireless efforts in support of this extradition."
"Our Office is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is appropriately carried out for all parties. Because of Panama’s partnership with the United States, Martinelli has been returned to Panama," says U.S. Attorney Benjamin Greenberg.
The 66-year-old was living in Coral Gables back in 2017 when a U.S. magistrate judge ruled he could be sent back to Panama to face trial.
His appeal was denied in January.