Ombudsman probes launder raps vs Nani

The Office of the Ombudsman has asked Switzerland for any information into the alleged money laundering allegations against former justice secretary Hernani Perez.

Perez, his wife Rosario, brother-in-law Ramon Arceo Jr. and investment banker Ernest Escaler are being investigated in Switzerland for alleged money laundering.

On the other hand, the Ombudsman is investigating Perez for allegedly extorting $2 million from then Manila congressman Mark Jimenez, who is currently on trial for tax evasion, fraud and other charges in the United States.

In its Sept. 3 letter to Swiss Ambassador Lise Favre, the Ombudsman requested for "any relevant evidence or information" in relation to the Swiss Prosecuting Magistrate’s investigation into the suspicious Swiss bank accounts of Perez and the others.

Last March, the Swiss government, through federal prosecutor Brent Holtkamp, asked Manila for information about existing cases against Perez, his wife, Arceo and Escaler.

Bern also asked for banking and financial details and other information that might be useful in the investigation. The probe began in March 2001 shortly after Rosario Perez, Arceo and Escaler opened a total of six bank accounts in that country.

Rosario Perez and Arceo gave the former justice secretary — who resigned early January following the extortion charges against him — authority to withdraw from their accounts.

In a privilege speech in November 2001, Jimenez accused Perez of extorting $2 million from him. Perez denied the charges.

Jimenez shortly filed extortion, plunder and other corruption charges against Perez before the Ombudsman.

Last December, Jimenez went to the United States to face charges of making illegal campaign contributions, tax evasion and other charges.