Former Panamanian president Ricardo Martinelli, wanted by the Central American nation on charges of political espionage, was arrested by U.S. authorities near Miami, RIA Novosti reported quoting Estrella.

Martinelli was transported to a federal detention center in Miami and was due to appear in U.S. District Court on Tuesday to face an extradition hearing.

The former Panamanian leader is accused of using public money to spy illegally on more than 150 political rivals during his 2009-2014 term as president.