Mexican ex governor could be extradition target

The Tamaulipas state anti-corruption prosecutor said in a statement that he has asked the federal Attorney General’s Office to let him know of any proceeding related to a U.S. extradition request for Eugenio Hernandez Flores. (Photo by Public Domain)

MEXICO CITY — Authorities in a Mexican border state Said Friday that they have asked their federal counterparts to keep them informed about the possible extradition to the United States of a former governor arrested last week.

The Tamaulipas state anti-corruption prosecutor said in a statement that he has asked the federal Attorney General’s Office to let him know of any proceeding related to a U.S. extradition request for Eugenio Hernandez Flores.

Hernandez was arrested Oct. 6 in the state capital of Victoria on charges of misuse of public funds and use of illicit funds. He is wanted in Texas on money laundering charges.

Through his lawyer, Jorge Olvera Reyes, Hernandez has denied any wrongdoing.

U.S. prosecutors asked a federal court in Corpus Christi in August for certified copies of the original arrest warrant issued for Hernandez in February. The request said the copies were needed for the extradition package provided to Mexico.

Hernandez was indicted on money laundering charges in Texas in 2015. The Texas indictment alleges he was involved in laundering money from 2008 to 2015. It also accuses him of defrauding Texas banks by misrepresenting the source of funds that moved from Mexico into U.S. accounts.

Tamaulipas state security officials have also asked their federal counterparts to transfer Hernandez to a federal facility, saying they cannot safely house him.

The charges Hernandez faces in Mexico are related to the acquisition of about 4,000 acres (1,600 hectares) in the port city of Altamira. Hernandez served as governor until 2010.

Hernandez’s predecessor, Tomas Yarrington, was arrested in Italy this year and is awaiting extradition to Mexico.