Philippines Says Czech Authorities Released Key Suspect in Corruption Scandal

The Philippines said former lawmaker Zaldy Co — a key suspect in the corruption scandal that rocked the nation — is now seeking political asylum in France after being released by Czech authorities.

Co, who was arrested earlier this month after crossing into the Czech Republic without proper documentation, is no longer in Czech custody, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida told reporters in a virtual briefing from Prague. He said authorities didn’t provide details on how and where Co exited, citing data privacy rules.