Bombay Durpun - Honduras seizes assets of ex-president awaiting extradition to US

Following an investigation into Hernandez's family assets, authorities "executed operations to secure and seize material and immaterial assets, commercial businesses and financial products linked to the family nucleus," said the ministry in a statement.

Ministry spokesman Yuri Mora told AFP that 33 properties, eight commercial businesses, 16 vehicles and several financial products had been seized.

Hernandez, who left office in January after eight years in power, was arrested in mid-February, a day after Washington requested his extradition.

A month later a judge ordered his extradition, which was confirmed this week by the supreme court following an appeal.

US prosecutors have alleged he received millions of dollars from drug traffickers for protection -- including from Mexican narco-kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.

Hernandez faces three charges: conspiracy to import a controlled substance into the United States, using or carrying firearms including machine guns, and conspiracy to use or carry firearms.

He could face a life sentence if convicted.

His former congressman brother Tony Hernandez was sentenced to life in prison in the United States in March 2021 for drug trafficking.

It was during that trial that the ex-president was implicated in the illicit trade.

Hernandez insists that he is the victim of "a revenge by the cartels."

L.Panchal--BD