Guatemala prison chief arrested in corruption probe [View all]

[Judi Lynn]

Guatemala prison chief arrested in corruption probe
AFP
September 4, 2014, 9:56 am

Guatemala City (AFP) - The head of Guatemala's prison system was arrested on bribery and money-laundering charges linked to a notorious jail-based criminal syndicate, prosecutors said. Edgar Camargo, director of the Guatemalan Penitentiary System, was detained over allegations of a conspiracy with a gang headed by jailed Army captain Byron Lima Oliva.

Prosecutor Thelma Aldana said investigators had uncovered evidence linking prison system officials to "illicit" practices.

Camargo was arrested on charges of conspiracy, bribery and conspiracy to launder money.

Lima Oliva, who was jailed for 20 years in 2001 for his involvement in the murder of Guatemalan bishop Juan Gerardi in April 1998, had emerged as one of the most powerful figures inside Guatemala's prison system, investigators had found.

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Lima Oliva was "central" to the conspiracy he added, controlling aspects of prison life such as arranging inmate transfers, conjugal visits and access to phones. While in prison, Lima Oliva had even been able to purchase several properties in upmarket areas of the capital as well as luxury cars made by Jaguar, BMW or Porsche.

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