In a dramatic turn of events, Mexican judge Luis Benítez Alcántara has been detained in Colombia on accusations of accepting a $2 million bribe to release Canadian national Andrew Clark from custody. Clark, who was under extradition proceedings in Mexico in 2024, faces drug‑trafficking and murder charges in the United States.
According to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice, Benítez, 49, was arrested on Sunday in Colombia and faces a nine‑count indictment alleging he acted as an accessory after the fact. The judge is alleged to have facilitated Clark’s release in exchange for the bribe, after which Clark was arrested again and transferred to the U.S. for prosecution.
U.S. officials are now seeking Benítez’s extradition from Colombia, underscoring the federal government’s commitment to holding corrupt officials accountable. “Crooked public officials, no matter where they are, who assist drug traffickers operating here at home will face justice in the United States,” U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said in the statement.
Benítez’s case is part of a broader investigation into a multinational drug‑trafficking network allegedly headed by former Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding. Wedding, who was arrested in Mexico earlier this year, is accused of moving cocaine from Latin America into the United States and orchestrating several killings. He has pleaded not guilty to murder and drug charges after being flown to California.
Authorities have already detained dozens of individuals linked to the network and seized large quantities of drugs, weapons, cash, and high‑value assets, including automobiles, motorcycles, artwork, and jewelry. The investigation continues to unfold as officials work to dismantle the alleged trafficking ring.
Source: The Guardian World
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