Carlos Menem

Judge Jorge Urso requested the detention of Menem through Interpol and the next step will be for a Chilean judge to act in the case. Menem, 73, who is married to a former Miss Universe, Chilean Cecilia Bolocco, lives in neighboring Chile.

Menem has failed to attend court appearances four times, according to the warrant.

Chilean officials previously indicated they would cooperate with any possible extradition request, court sources said.

Menem is accused of fraudulent administration of public funds while he was president of Argentina, allegedly paying prices above the market rate in contracts during the building of two prisons.

Menem is also facing a corruption probe into undeclared funds held in Swiss bank accounts and charges of arms trafficking to Ecuador and Croatia during his time in office.

The Japan Times Weekly: May 1, 2004
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