Mexican president challenges UK asylum for ex-governor's wife

The Mexican president, Claudia Sheinbaum, said her government will send a formal letter of complaint to UK officials after Karime Macías, the ex-wife of jailed former Veracruz governor Javier Duarte, was granted asylum in Britain. Macías is wanted for extradition to Mexico on allegations that she siphoned millions from the state welfare office.

“How can a woman accused of fraud and corruption be granted asylum?” Sheinbaum asked. “Today we are sending a letter with this position.” Neither the British embassy nor Macías’ lawyer responded to a request for comment, and the Home Office said it does not comment on individual cases.

Macías’ asylum in the UK was first reported by Mexican news outlet N+. She was first lady of Veracruz from December 2010 to October 2016 and, while heading the state welfare office, is alleged to have awarded contracts worth millions to shell companies.

Mexico, Veracruz

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