Mexican judge accused by U.S. of taking bribes in major drug case
Summary
U.S. officials say Mexican judge Luiz Benítez Alcántara accepted $2 million in bribes to release Canadian citizen Andrew Clark during extradition proceedings in 2024. Benítez was arrested in Colombia and faces a U.S. indictment; officials say they will seek his extradition.Key Facts
- Benítez is accused of accepting bribes in exchange for releasing Clark from custody in Mexico.
- Clark was charged in the United States with helping run a drug trafficking group allegedly headed by former Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding.
- Clark was arrested days after his release and taken to the United States, where he faces drug trafficking and murder charges.
- Benítez, 49, was arrested in Colombia on Sunday and is charged in a nine-count indictment with being an accessory after the fact.
- U.S. officials said they will request Benítez's extradition from Colombia.
- Wedding was arrested in Mexico earlier this year and taken to California, where he pleaded not guilty to murder and drug charges.
- Authorities have arrested dozens of people in connection with the alleged network and seized drugs, weapons, cash, vehicles, artwork and jewelry.
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