FBI seeks Filipino's extradition

FBI seeks Filipino's extradition

PHILIPPINES: U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director Robert Mueller pressed the Philippine authorities on Monday to swiftly extradite a congressman fugitive facing fraud and other charges in the United States.

Mueller was asked at a news conference about the case of Congressman Mark Jimenez, who had been indicted in Florida in 1999 for tax evasion, mail fraud and illegal contributions to the Democratic Party.

Jimenez fled to the Philippines after the U.S. indictment and has fought through the courts to stave off his extradition. Last year the businessman ran for Congress and won a seat representing one of Manila's six districts.

Filipino prosecutors have already formally sought a court order here to extradite Jimenez to stand trial in the United States. --AFP