Emilio Lozoya, former director of Mexican state oil Pemex, enters preventive prison for Odebrecht case

A judge dictates preventive detention against Emilio Lozoya 3:14

(Reuters) -

The former director of the Mexican state oil company Pemex Emilio Lozoya was detained preventively on Wednesday by order of a judge, while being investigated for his alleged links in a corruption scheme.

Lozoya, who was extradited from Spain in July last year, is accused of having requested money from the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht for the campaign that brought former president Enrique Peña Nieto to the country's presidency between 2012 and 2018, in exchange for contracts.

The former official is also singled out for ordering the purchase in 2013, with a premium, of a fertilizer plant, while he was in charge of the state oil company.

Lozoya had gone to court to hear his case, which he had been facing at large.

However, the magistrate ordered that he be detained as a precautionary measure.

His lawyer later told reporters that he will appeal the decision.

• Leaking the complaint of Emilio Lozoya for the Odebrecht case: what it reveals about Mexican politics and justice

Emilio Lozoya's dinner that causes controversy 2:35

The former director, who pleaded not guilty before the judge, has become a key piece in the efforts of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to expose the corruption that, according to him, pervaded the country during the governments prior to his, which began in 2018.

advertising

Photos recently surfaced on social media of Lozoya while dining at a luxurious restaurant in one of Mexico City's most exclusive neighborhoods, sparking outrage.

His arrest generated a stir in Mexico.

In their testimonies, they have accused both Peña and other former presidents, as well as a dozen former officials of accepting bribes, receiving illicit payments and other acts of corruption.

Emilio Lozoya