Ex-President of El Salvador Elias Antonio Saca Gonzalez. (Photo by Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images) (2008 Getty Images)
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) – Prosecutors in El Salvador say government officials embezzled at least $246 million during President Tony Saca's 2004-2009 administration.
The head of the prosecutors' financial investigations office says $116 million in government cash was transferred to accounts held by employees of the president's office and was later channeled to private firms. Jorge Cortez says some of the money went to Saca's businesses.
Saca was arrested Saturday. The former radio sports announcer faces charges of alleged illicit enrichment, unlawful association and money laundering.
Police said six former officials in his government were also arrested.
Former President Mauricio Funes, who succeeded Saca, is under investigation for corruption. Funes has taken asylum in Nicaragua.
Another former president, Francisco Flores, died last January while awaiting trial for allegedly diverting millions of dollars in earthquake aid.
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