Spy chief cites jealousy

Peru's once-feared spy chief Vladimiro Montesinos has testified that it was his personal aide, driven by jealousy of his mistress, who leaked an incriminating videotape that precipitated the downfall of President Alberto Fujimori's 10-year autocratic Government.

Montesinos said Matilde Pinchi Pinchi, a former secretary who cut a deal with prosecutors to become the state's star witness in dozens of corruption trials, "bears animosity toward Mrs Jacqueline Beltran".

In the latest trial, Montesinos is accused, along with 42 others, of illicit association and misappropriation of state funds to purchase vehicles for his private security.