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Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, often referred to by his initials JOH, is one of the only heads of state ever to be prosecuted for drug trafficking in the United States. JOH’s downfall began in October 2016, when his brother, Juan Antonio “Tony” Hernández, became a “person of interest” in a US drug investigation.

Tony Hernández was arrested in late 2018, and during his trial exposed evidence linking JOH to illicit activities. In early 2022, shortly after his presidential term ended, Hernández was arrested and extradited to the United States, where he was convicted in federal court.

In two special series, InSight Crime traces the rise and fall of Juan Orlando Hernández, and what it has meant for Central America’s criminal dynamics.

Part 1: The Downfall of JOH
Part 2: JOH Trial
Criminal profiles
All our JOH coverage

Criminal profiles

Juan Orlando Hernández

Juan Orlando Hernández Alvarado, Honduras’ former president, is facing trial on US drug charges after years of allegations that he received bribes to protect traffickers, financed political campaigns with drug money and abetted his brother’s cocaine ring.

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Criminal profiles

Juan Antonio ‘Tony’ Hernández Alvarado

Juan Antonio “Tony” Hernández Alvarado is a former Honduran congressman, the brother of former Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernández and a convicted drug trafficker sentenced in the United States for his participation in moving cocaine.

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