Paraguay’s Former President Peña Ordered Held in Pretrial Detention

Dragon Media News Desk

A Paraguayan judge has ordered former President Santiago Peña held in pretrial detention pending further proceedings. Local media report that he will be held at the headquarters of the Presidential Escort Regiment.

Peña has been charged with breach of trust and the administration of property for personal gain in connection with the financial crisis at Ueno Bank. Prosecutors are investigating alleged irregularities involving deposits of state and pension funds at the bank, as well as the oversight of the institution. Peña has denied wrongdoing.

The bank’s crisis disrupted access to accounts held by millions of customers. On November 6, Paraguay’s Senate removed Peña from office. Vice President Pedro Alliana subsequently assumed the presidency.