Former premier of Turks and Caicos accused of corruption arrested in Brazil

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos – The former jet-setting premier of the Turks and Caicos islands has been arrested in Brazil after having disappeared a couple years ago.

Governor spokesman Neil Smith says Michael Misick was detained Friday at the Santos Dumont Airport in Rio de Janeiro.

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The British government had obtained an international warrant for Misick through Interpol in March. Misick is accused of corruption, misusing public money and profiting from the sale of government-owned land to developers.

Misick has said the charges are politically motivated.

He stepped down in 2009, shortly after Britain took temporary control of the territory’s government amid allegations of rampant corruption.

The territory held parliamentary elections last month for the first time in three years, ending Britain’s direct rule.