Former Mozambican Minister to be extradited to the US

Former Mozambican Finance Minister Manuel Chang should be extradited to the US where he is wanted on allegations of conspiracy to commit fraud and taking millions of dollars in bribes in a $2bn loan scandal, the Kempton Park Magistrate's court ruled on Monday. Chang was given 15 days to appeal the decision, notes the Mail & Gaurdian. Magistrate William Schutte said Chang was allegedly involved in several fraudulent transactions which had taken place in New York City in the US. 'There is sufficient evidence to warrant a prosecution (in the US), on charges of conspiracy to commit fraud, securities fraud and money laundering,' Schutte said. Chang was arrested in SA on 30 December on a warrant issued by authorities in the US. The former Minister had fought his extradition to the US, saying he would prefer to be sent to his home country. He had argued that he would have better prospects of bail and a fair trial in Mozambique. An extradition request from Mozambique was officially handed to the court on Monday.