Mexican court orders arrest of ex-Pemex boss pending graft trial

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - A Mexican court ruled on Monday to allow the arrest of Emilio Lozoya, former chief executive of state-owned oil company Pemex, who is facing corruption charges, according to a court document dated Monday and seen by Reuters. The decision nullified an earlier ruling that suspended an arrest warrant against Lozoya issued last month. 'The suspension that had been granted is null and void,' the document said

Reuters June 18, 2019 03:05:29 IST
Mexican court orders arrest of ex-Pemex boss pending graft trial

Mexican court orders arrest of exPemex boss pending graft trial

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - A Mexican court ruled on Monday to allow the arrest of Emilio Lozoya, former chief executive of state-owned oil company Pemex, who is facing corruption charges, according to a court document dated Monday and seen by Reuters.

The decision nullified an earlier ruling that suspended an arrest warrant against Lozoya issued last month. "The suspension that had been granted is null and void," the document said.

Mexican authorities say the case centres on bribes paid in connection with the purchase by Pemex of a fertilizer plant under the previous government. Reuters could not reach Lozoya for comment. He has always denied wrongdoing and defended the fertilizer factory purchase as a wise investment.

"I know perfectly well that he committed no crime," one of Lozoya's lawyers, Javier Coello, told local radio on Monday, vowing to fight the charges at trial.

The government's move against Lozoya is one of Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's boldest steps, since taking office in December, to fulfill a campaign promise to stamp out corruption.

(Reporting by Miguel Angel Gutiérrez, Writing by Hugh Bronstein; Editing by Susan Thomas)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.

Updated Date:

TAGS:

also read

South Korean woman linked to scandal to be extradited from Denmark - prosecutor
| Reuters
World

South Korean woman linked to scandal to be extradited from Denmark - prosecutor | Reuters

COPENHAGEN A South Korean woman wanted for questioning in connection with the scandal that brought down president Park Geun-hye has withdrawn her appeal against extradition from Denmark, the Danish state prosecutor said on Wednesday.

Pope asks Trump to be peacemaker, gives him environmental letter
| Reuters
World

Pope asks Trump to be peacemaker, gives him environmental letter | Reuters

By Philip Pullella and Steve Holland | VATICAN CITY VATICAN CITY Pope Francis urged U.S.