World · Latin America · 2 hrs ago
Mexican judge arrested over alleged $2M bribe to free Canadian deputy
A Mexican judge was arrested over an alleged bribe.
The alleged payment was $2 million.
It was allegedly offered to free a Canadian deputy of Ryan Wedding.
The allegation connects a judge and a Canadian deputy to Ryan Wedding.
The information available does not explain the deputy’s role or provide further details about the arrest.
It also does not say what happens next.
Mexican judge Luis Benitez Alcantara was arrested in Colombia over allegations that he accepted a $2-million bribe to release Canadian Andrew Clark from custody.
U.S. officials allege Clark was a key figure in a drug trafficking ring and the second-in-command to former Canadian snowboarder Ryan Wedding.
Benitez Alcantara allegedly granted Clark bail in February 2025, the same day he received the bribe.
Clark was arrested again days later and taken to the United States, where his criminal case is pending.
U.S. officials said they would seek Benitez Alcantara’s extradition.
- Who
- Mexican judge Luis Benitez Alcantara was arrested. He is accused of taking a bribe from Canadian Andrew Clark.
- What
- He allegedly accepted $2 million to grant Clark bail and release him from custody.
- When
- Benitez Alcantara was arrested on Sunday; the article does not give the calendar date. The alleged release took place in February 2025.
- Where
- He was arrested in Colombia. The alleged bribe and release concerned proceedings in Mexico.
- Why
- U.S. officials allege he used his position to help Clark evade detention while facing U.S. charges.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Clark was arrested in Mexico on U.S. charges of drug trafficking, murder and attempted murder.
U.S. officials formally requested Clark’s extradition.
Benitez Alcantara allegedly granted Clark bail and ordered his release on the day he received the bribe.
Clark was arrested again and taken to the United States.
Wedding was arrested in Mexico and taken to the United States.
U.S. officials announced Benitez Alcantara’s arrest in Colombia and said they would seek his extradition.
- Alleged bribe
- $2 million
- Judge
- Luis Benitez Alcantara, 49
- Arrest location
- Colombia
- Canadian accused
- Andrew Clark, 36
- Alleged release
- February 2025
- Indictment
- Nine counts; up to 15 years in prison for each count if convicted
3 sources
What people are saying
Crooked public officials, no matter where they are, who assist drug traffickers operating here at home will face justice in the United States.