Mancuso is among 14 paramilitary leaders extradited to the United States this week. While Mancuso was being held by U.S. officials, Colombian police seized $25 million in property he owned across much of northwest Colombia.Wearing a bright orange jumpsuit and flanked by armed U.S. marshals, Mancuso stated his name but said nothing else in court. His Miami attorney pleaded not guilty on his behalf.Seven other paramilitary bosses, appearing for the same judge as Mancuso, also pleaded not guilty.The militias were formed in the 1980s to defend wealthy ranchers and drug traffickers against extortion and kidnappings by leftist rebels. Officials say they have killed at least 10,000 people, including dozens of labor activists.
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