Blue Apple judge seeks extradition of Martinelli brothers

Judge Baloisa Marquínez has asked Guatemala for the extradition of Ricardo Alberto and Luis Enrique Martinelli, both of whom were prosecuted for the alleged payment of bribes by State contractors to officials, during the administration of their father, former President Ricardo Martinelli.

Marquínez reported the request on August 5 during the first day of the Blue Apple hearing.

The Blue Apple investigation was declared open on September 11, 2017, and on September 19, 2018, the investigation of Luis Enrique was ordered. Ricardo Alberto’s was issued on January 11, 2019. They have never personally appeared in this process.

La Prensa learned that Marquínez’s extradition request is dated July 4, 2021.

The Martinelli Linares brothers were represented by their lawyer Luis Eduardo Camacho González and followed the hearing via virtual, from Guatemala, where they have been detained since July 6 last year when they were captured at the request of the United States, for crimes related to money laundering.

On April 26, the Second Court of Justice ordered the cancellation of a release bond of $5 million granted to Luis Enrique Martinelli Linares, within the Blue Apple case.

The Second Court declared the cancellation of the bond and also ordered the return of the money consigned to Aseguradora Ancón, SA. The court also upheld the arrest warrant against Luis Enrique, issued on September 24, 2018.