Prosecutors ask Peru judge to keep ex-president behind bars

LIMA, Peru – Prosecutors in Peru are asking a judge to keep former President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski behind bars as he is investigated for suspected money laundering related to Latin America’s biggest graft scandal.

Deputy prosecutor Hernan Mendoza made the request Monday morning, saying the former Wall Street banker should remain detained as investigators probe his alleged illegal activity as a minister over a decade ago.

Kuczynski resigned last year after opposition lawmakers revealed his private consulting firm had received $782,000 in previously undisclosed payments from Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht.

Odebrecht has admitted to paying nearly $800 million in bribes to secure lucrative public works contracts throughout Latin America.

Kuczynski has denied any wrongdoing.

He is currently being held for 10 days as prosecutors probe alleged money laundering related to two infrastructure projects.