Spanish police arrest fugitive Peruvian judge accused of corruption

A FUGITIVE Peruvian Supreme Court justice accused of leading a corrupt network within the country’s judicial system has been captured in Madrid and held on remand by Spanish authorities.
In what will be an embarrassment for Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra, Judge Cesar Hinostroza fled to Spain with ease, despite being banned from leaving Peru while an investigation into alleged influence peddling continued.
However, Hinostroza has been taken to Spain’s High Court, where a judge opened extradition proceedings and detained him on remand.
He is at the centre of a scandal after the leaking of phone conversations to the media which allegedly revealed the existence of a criminal network of judges who traded favours with politicians and businessmen.
Hinostroza has denied committing any crimes but was unavailable for comment on Friday.
According to Spanish court documents, Hinostroza has asked for international asylum, claiming he faces political persecution in Peru.