Official: Panama asks US to extradite ex-leader Martinelli

PANAMA CITY (AP) - Panama is formally asking the United States to extradite former President Ricardo Martinelli in connection with a phone-tapping controversy, an official said Tuesday.

The case involves allegations that the phones of dozens of business, opposition and labor leaders were tapped by Martinelli's 2009-2014 government.

A high-ranking official in current President Juan Carlos Varela's administration confirmed that the extradition request was formally presented late Monday. The official was not authorized to be quoted by name and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Martinelli has denied any wrongdoing. Spokesman Luis Eduardo Camacho said via Twitter that the request was illegal.

A detention order was issued for the 64-year-old Martinelli in December after he failed to appear in court. He is believed to be living in Miami.

The U.S. Embassy in Panama did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Besides the wiretapping, Martinelli is accused of buying $13 million worth of surveillance equipment using money from businesses with government contracts during his administration. The equipment is missing.

The supermarket magnate has denied spying on opponents, calling the allegations against him part of a political persecution by the government of his successor Varela.