Guatemala advances US extradition for Martinelli sons

The Secretary-General of the Attorney General of Guatemala, Angel Pineda, reported this Monday, August 30, that the extradition process of the brothers Ricardo Alberto and Luis Enrique Martinelli Linares to the United States is “in the final phase.”

He explained that they formally received the extradition request of the brothers to Panama, but that according to “international regulations”, they will first attend the request that the United States presented, on July 3, 2020. Panama requested extradition for one year later, to appear at trial for the payment of bribes in the so-called Blue Apple case.

Pineda said that they are awaiting the pronouncement of the courts, due to the presence of various appeals made by the defense of the Martinelli Linares to avoid extradition. “We know that it is in the final phase so that the corresponding resolution for extradition is issued,” he said.

Recently, the First Court of Appeals of the Criminal Branch of Guatemala ruled against appeals filed by the legal defense of Luis Enrique Martinelli Linares, which would give the final green light to move forward with the delivery to the United States.

Meanwhile, the case of his brother, Ricardo Alberto, would continue to be suspended pending the resolution of two appeals.

The United States requested the capture and extradition of the children of former President Ricardo Martinelli Berrocal, for the alleged commission of various crimes related to money laundering.

They are currently being held in a military prison.