Former Guatemalan leader arrested

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The Guatemalan authorities have captured former President Alfonso Portillo, who is wanted in the US on money-laundering charges.

They said Mr Portillo, who left office in 2004, was arrested during a raid on a ranch in the north of the country.

US prosecutors say he laundered money stolen from a children's charity and embezzled state funds.

Mr Portillo's lawyer said earlier that he would not surrender because the charges against him were political.

Mr Portillo fled to Mexico after his term finished in 2004, but was sent back in 2008 to face corruption charges - which he has repeatedly denied.

A Guatemalan court approved the US extradition request on Friday.

Mr Portillo, 58, has also been accused by Guatemalan authorities over the disappearance of $15m (£9.2m) earmarked for the Guatemalan defence department.