Guatemala approves extradition of Lev Tahor leader to Mexico

A Guatemalan criminal court has approved the extradition of Yoel Malka, a member of the Lev Tahor community, to Mexico. Malka was arrested in Guatemala in February 2026 by local police and Interpol.

Mexican authorities have accused Malka of involvement in organized crime related to human trafficking, specifically through forced marriages or forced pregnancies involving minors under the age of 14. The prosecution alleges that the criminal organization operates across multiple nations.

During the hearing on September 4, the Fifth Criminal Sentencing Tribunal ruled the request valid, noting that the documentation complied with extradition treaties between Mexico and Guatemala. While the defense argued there were deficiencies in the prosecution's presentation of facts, the judge upheld the decision. The process will now move to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate Malka's transfer to Mexican justice.