Ex-Official Extradited to Mexico
One of the highest-ranking former Mexican officials to be extradited on corruption charges returned Friday aboard a police jet, marking the latest but largely symbolic victory in the government’s struggle to punish crimes of the old regime.
Former Tourism Secretary and Mexico City Mayor Oscar Espinosa faces charges that he embezzled $45 million from city coffers. But he won a court injunction against his arrest, so it is unlikely that he will be convicted.
Espinosa fled to Canada and then to Nicaragua shortly after Mexican President Vicente Fox defeated the former ruling party last year. He was extradited after he was denied political asylum by Nicaragua.
Espinosa has said the charges are nothing but an attempt at political revenge.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
