The former treasurer of Indonesia’s Democratic Party was arrested on Sunday in Colombia after months of evading police following corruption allegations, reported local and international news sources Tuesday.
According to Indonesian police, Muhammad Nazaruddin was detained in Cartagena after an international manhunt. He was caught Sunday morning at the airport in Cartagena when he tried to travel to Bogota, but was caught using a false name and passport. According to El Tiempo, Nazaruddin was on his way to Bogota to watch the Under-20 World Cup matches.
Nazarudin is accused of accepting bribes worth almost $3 million in connection with officials for the Southeast Asian Games, which will be hosted by Indonesia this year.
He has also made corruption allegations against several high-ranking officials of the Democratic Party, which is the biggest party in the country’s governing coalition.
Interpol issued a red notice for his arrest on July 4, 2011.
Indonesian sources said Nazaruddin had apparently fled his country in May 2011, and has since traveled through countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Argentina and Spain.
The extradition of Nazaruddin to Indonesia is the next step for Colombian and Indonesian officials.