Brazil to seek extradition of ex-bank chief from Italy

   The Brazilian government intends to request the extradition of Henrique Pizzolato, a former Banco do Brasil director who was convicted of bribery and arrested in Italy, the justice minister confirmed on Wednesday. "It is up to Brazil to request extradition and we will do so," Jose Eduardo Cardozo told a press conference, saying Brazil will abide by any decision Italy makes regarding the extradition request. Pizzolato, who has dual Brazilian-Italian citizenship and was wanted by Interpol, was arrested early Wednesday in Italy. At the time of his arrest, Pizzolato was found carrying a false passport of his deceased brother, and 15,000 euros and 2,000 U.S. dollars in cash, according to the authorities. The former marketing director of the bank was convicted in Brazil last year of running a bribery scheme dubbed "Mensalao." He was found guilty of corruption, embezzlement and money laundering in what became known as "the trial of the century," which led to the conviction of 25 people, including politicians, businessmen and bankers. Pizzolato, who was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in prison, was the only one of the 25 who managed to flee the country in November. His lawyer later announced his departure.