By Jose Serrano (staff@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Sep 04, 2015 09:09 AM EDT

Fraud allegations caught up to Guatemala president Otto Pérez Molina Thursday night, hours after tendering his resignation amid a government-rattling corruption scandal that prompted months of hostile protests throughout the Central American country.

Guatemala's District Attorney immediately issued an arrest warrant for Pérez Molina who, in the course of the same day, had his day in court; surrounded by lawyers, media, and a judge. According to the New York Times, the former president heard wiretap recordings implicating him as the leader of a fraud ring that negotiated lower import taxes for companies in exchange for multimillion-dollar bribes.

"It's one thing to listen but another thing to investigate," Pérez Molina said, referring to the taped conversations. "All Guatemalans have to respect the law, and I assure you I will respect the law and this process."

Judge Miguel Angel Galvea ordered the 64-year-old former military commander detained overnight at Matamoros Jail in Guatemala City until Friday morning.

Pérez Molina long denied any wrongdoing, telling TV and radio outlets last month he was singled out by foreign enemies. This, despite former vice president Roxana Baldetti stepping down in May and her private secretary, Juan Carlos Monzó Rojas, fleeing after being a being accused of running the bribery ring.

In all, 25 people - including Pérez Molina - have been arrested since international prosecutors reported foul play on April 16. Pérez Molina initially wanted the prosecutors, known by the acronym Cicig, to stop their investigation but relented one week later, asking the United Nations to extend Cicig an additional two years.

Pérez Molina and Baldetti maintain their innocence.

Interim vice president Alejandro Maldonado, 79, now assumes the former president's chair, if just for a short time as Guatemala is scheduled to hold presidential elections on Sunday. Maldonado, who took over vice presidential duties six days after Baldetti resigned, staunchly demanded government officials tied to the scandal step down.  

Maldonado will act as president until his term ends in January.

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