LIMA, Peru (AP) — Two provincial governors have been arrested and a third is being sought in a Peruvian crackdown on corruption, prosecutors said Thursday.
Chief prosecutor Carlos Ramos said Cerro de Pasco Gov. Klever Melendez was arrested based on a video that apparently shows on of his aides receiving a $100,000 bribe from businessmen seeking public works contracts. The aide, Juan Boza, was arrested as well.
Prosecutors also said they are trying to arrest Gerardo Vinas of Tumbes province over the sale of 89 acres (36 hectares) of public land in an exclusive beach area at far below its true value. A judge has ordered him detained for five months while the case is investigated.
Police last month captured Gov. Cesar Alvarez, who is accused of ordering the murder of a political rival who had accused him of running a corrupt, violent mini-dictatorship in the rich mining state of Ancash. He has denied involvement in the death.
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