Guatemala seeks former president

Mr Portillo has denied all the allegations

Guatemala has requested the extradition of former president Alfonso Portillo from Mexico on corruption charges.

The Mexican deputy foreign minister, Miguel Hakim, has confirmed that his government has received the request.

It will now be considered by the Mexican authorities, who have said Mr Portillo is in their country legally.

Mr Portillo is wanted over the disappearance of $15.7m (£9m) earmarked for the defence ministry. He has denied all the allegations against him.

He fled Guatemala last year after losing his legal immunity when his four-year term in office ended.

Two of his former ministers and other high-ranking military officials have been also implicated in the scandal.

It is one of many corruption cases that emerged during Mr Portillo's term in office from 2000 to 2004.

The former president has said he fled because he could not get a fair trial in Guatemala.