Mexico arrests genocide suspect

Mr Cavallo: Alleged former agent

Authorities in Mexico say they are now certain that a man arrested in the southern city of Cancun is former Argentinian military officer Miguel Angel Cavallo.

Mr Cavallo, wanted by a Spanish judge on charges of torture and genocide, was arrested by Mexican police and Interpol on a plane on Thursday night.

Although there were doubts as to whether the man arrested was actually Mr Cavallo, police said they had now gathered enough evidence to prove his identity.

Argentina has an amnesty preventing prosecution of former military officers, but Mexican authorities are now considering an extradition warrant issued by Spain.

On Thursday, a Mexican newspaper published allegations that the prominent businessman, Ricardo Miguel Cavallo was in fact the former Argentinian army officer Miguel Angel Cavallo.

Torture charges

Mr Cavallo is alleged to have tortured and murdered political prisoners at Argentina's notorious Navy School of Mechanics during the country's military dictatorship from 1977-83.

Juan Ponce Edmonson uncovered Cavallo's real identity

Interviewed in the media, Mr Cavallo admitted he had served in the military, but denied the allegations.

However, police swooped and intercepted Mr Cavallo's plane en route for Argentina at the southern Mexican city of Cancun.

After questioning Mr Cavallo, and comparing photographs and signatures, police confirmed they were certain they had the same man.

"His real name is Ricardo Miguel Cavallo, as Miguel Angel Cavallo was a fictitious name he used during the 'dirty war' in Argentina," explained the head of the Mexican branch of Interpol Juan Ponce Edmonson.

The same man

Mr Cavallo denies that he is the former Argentine intelligence agent who ran the "slave labour" unit at the Navy School, instead claiming to be a retired member of the Argentine marines.

Cavallo says he is just a retired marine

But, according to the journalist behind the expose piece, published in Mexico's Reforma newspaper, Mr Cavallo is one and the same man.

"Cavallo won the nickname 'Serpico' for the effectiveness with which he did his work, he was quick to shoot," said Swiss-based writer Juan Gasparini.

Mr Gasparini is well-acquainted with Mr Cavallo. Detained himself for 20 months at the Navy School, he says Mr Cavallo murdered his wife and a friend in Buenos Aires in 1977.

On Friday, a Spanish high court judge formally requested that Mexico keep Mr Cavallo in custody while authorities prepare to bring extradition procedings.

Extradition deadline

Behind the extradition case is Judge Baltasar Garzon, who initiated moves to extradite the former Chilean military ruler Augusto Pinochet on similar charges last year.

Judge Baltasar Garzon also pursued General Pinochet

Mexican officials say they have set a deadline of 2230 local time on Saturday to decide whether to hold Mr Cavallo, who has committed no crimes in Mexico.

French authorities are also considering preparing a similar extradition request that Mr Cavallo be questioned in Mexico over the deaths of 15 French nationals during the same period.

Mr Cavallo is also well known in Mexico as the head of a controversial car registration scheme, where his arrest has caused a sensation.