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Mexican authorities say they are trying to find Veracruz Governor Javier Duarte, who apparently fled after a prosecutor Tuesday issued an arrest warrant over alleged ties to organized crime and corruption.
Some local media reports have reported that the infamous politician left the country and fled to Canada with the help of top officials, including members of the ruling PRI party. Interior Minister Miguel Angel Osorio Chong has denied these allegations. On Wednesday, Chong told Radio Formula that officials aren't sure where Duarte is, but believe he's still in the country. He also denied that there was an agreement with the government to ensure his safe passage to leave the country.
Duarte has been a close ally of President Enrique Peña Nieto. Duarte resigned his post as governor last week, saying he wanted to confront the corruption allegations, which he has denied.
The embattled Duarte has been investigated over allegations that he embezzled or misspent as much as US$2 billion since he took office nearly six years ago. His term in office will end Nov. 30, leaving Veracruz with a public debt of US$583 million.
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Despite all of this, Duarte maintains his immunity as governor – which means that if he's arrested, authorities will have to open another trial just to remove his immunity.
Thousands of residents, including 18 journalists, have disappeared during the tenure of Duterte, who Peña Nieto once described as part of a new generation of politicians who are going to change Mexico.
Prosecutors are also hunting for former Sonora state Governor Guillermo Padres on suspicion of corruption. His whereabouts are also unknown.
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