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Arrest order for Pinochet family Arrest order for Pinochet family
(40 minutes later)
A Chilean judge has ordered the arrest of five children and the widow of former military ruler Augusto Pinochet on charges of embezzlement.A Chilean judge has ordered the arrest of five children and the widow of former military ruler Augusto Pinochet on charges of embezzlement.
The warrants were among 23 issued as part of a corruption investigation into state funds held in US bank accounts.The warrants were among 23 issued as part of a corruption investigation into state funds held in US bank accounts.
Gen Pinochet, who ruled Chile from 1973 to 1990, died in December 2006 before he could stand trial on charges of corruption and human rights abuses.Gen Pinochet, who ruled Chile from 1973 to 1990, died in December 2006 before he could stand trial on charges of corruption and human rights abuses.
More than 3,000 people were killed or "disappeared" during his military rule.More than 3,000 people were killed or "disappeared" during his military rule.
Judge Cerda is investigating a case in which Gen Pinochet allegedly hid some $27 million (£13.2 million) with the help of Washington-based Riggs bank.
In 2004, a US Senate investigation found hundreds of bank accounts in the name of Pinochet and his relatives at the bank. He was being investigated for tax evasion, fraud and embezzlement in relation to those funds.
The order has already led to the arrest of Gen Pinochet's widow, Lucia Hiriart, two of his children and several other suspects, police director Arturo Herrera told AP news agency.The order has already led to the arrest of Gen Pinochet's widow, Lucia Hiriart, two of his children and several other suspects, police director Arturo Herrera told AP news agency.
RIGGS CASE 2004 US probe into Riggs bank found Gen Pinochet held up to $8m in secret accounts there Accounts alleged to have been opened in names of his widow, children and associatesFurther investigations found former ruler held some $27m in foreign accountsGen Pinochet charged with tax evasion and using false passports to open accounts abroadHis lawyers say fortune gained legally through savings, donations and accrued interest
Suspects include Gen Pinochet's former personal secretary, Monica Ananias and his lawyer Gustavo Collao.Suspects include Gen Pinochet's former personal secretary, Monica Ananias and his lawyer Gustavo Collao.
At least three retired army generals - Jorge Ballerino, Guillermo Garin and Hector Letelier - were also indicted.At least three retired army generals - Jorge Ballerino, Guillermo Garin and Hector Letelier - were also indicted.
Judge Carlos Cerda said there were "solid indications" the accused had "participated in the misuse of fiscal funds".Judge Carlos Cerda said there were "solid indications" the accused had "participated in the misuse of fiscal funds".
Chilean Interior Minister Felipe Harboe said the arrest order was a judicial decision but declined further comment.Chilean Interior Minister Felipe Harboe said the arrest order was a judicial decision but declined further comment.
Judge Cerda is investigating a case in which Gen Pinochet allegedly hid some $27 million (£13.2 million) with the help of Washington-based Riggs bank.
In 2004, a US Senate investigation found hundreds of bank accounts in the name of Pinochet and his relatives at the bank. He was being investigated for tax evasion, fraud and embezzlement in relation to those funds.
His immunity from prosecution was stripped in 2000, sparking years of legal wrangling to bring him to trial for alleged human rights abuses and tax fraud.His immunity from prosecution was stripped in 2000, sparking years of legal wrangling to bring him to trial for alleged human rights abuses and tax fraud.
His lawyers said he was unable to defend himself for health reasons.His lawyers said he was unable to defend himself for health reasons.
In 2006, Gen Pinochet died of a heart attack aged 91 while under house arrest.In 2006, Gen Pinochet died of a heart attack aged 91 while under house arrest.