Guatemala detains ex-VP who resigned amid graft scandal

In this April 19, 2015 photo, Guatemala's Vice President Roxana Baldetti speaks during a press conference at the presidential house in Guatemala City. Guatemalan authorities have detained the once powerful vice president, who resigned earlier this year after a corruption scandal reached into her inner circle. The prosecutor's office said Friday, Aug. 21, 2015, that she is suspected of fiscal fraud. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo) In this April 19, 2015 photo, Guatemala's Vice President Roxana Baldetti speaks during a press conference at the presidential house in Guatemala City. Guatemalan authorities have detained the once powerful vice president, who resigned earlier this year after a corruption scandal reached into her inner circle. The prosecutor's office said Friday, Aug. 21, 2015, that she is suspected of fiscal fraud. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

By Associated Press August 21, 2015 1 min read

GUATEMALA CITY (AP) – Police detained former Vice President Roxana Baldetti on Friday in connection with a corruption scandal that led to her resignation earlier this year after her private secretary was implicated.

Prosecutor’s office spokeswoman Julia Barrera confirmed the arrest and said more details would be released later in the day. Baldetti is suspected of fiscal fraud.

The scandal at the customs agency involved kickbacks paid by businesspeople in return for lower import duties. The ring was allegedly masterminded by Baldetti’s aide, Juan Carlos Monzon Rojas.

Baldetti resigned May 8 after an investigation spearheaded by prosecutors and a U.N. commission probing criminal networks in Guatemala led to arrests of government officials and private citizens.