Paraguay raids ex-president's home after Ueno Bank collapse freezes savings

Paraguayan police raided the home of ousted President Santiago Pena on Sunday as part of an investigation into the collapse of Ueno Bank, a crisis that has frozen savings for nearly half the country's population and triggered his removal from office. Pena faces charges of breach of trust and administration for personal gain, each carrying up to 10 years in prison, over allegations he used political influence to channel public funds into the bank while holding shares in its parent company. He was detained Friday after the Senate unanimously voted to remove him, and a judge ordered pretrial detention at a military facility. The bank's collapse has sparked violent protests and left millions unable to access savings, wages, and pensions. New President Pedro Alliana said the government has refunded 1.2 million customers so far, with approximately $158 million paid out and further reimbursements expected this week.