DOJ Accusations Against Ex-Congressman Rivera as Unregistered Foreign Agent
Unsealing of Indictment
The Department of Justice on Wednesday unsealed a startling indictment accusing former Miami congressman David Rivera of unlawfully acting as an unregistered foreign agent for a sanctioned Venezuelan businessman, allegedly profiting over $5.5 million. Rivera stands accused of failing to register as a foreign agent under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and creating fraudulent shell companies along with false documents to conceal these activities.
Background on Sanctions
In January 2019, the Treasury Department sanctioned Raul Gorrín Belisario due to his involvement in a bribery scheme tied to a dubious foreign exchange operation linked to the Venezuelan National Treasury. The indictment claims that from June 2019 to April 2020, Rivera lobbied officials to remove Gorrín from the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List.
Financial Transactions
According to the indictment, Rivera received over $5.5 million through Hong Kong intermediary companies via his firm, Interamerican Consulting, purportedly for lobbying on Gorrín’s behalf. This money was allegedly funneled through shell companies to obscure its source and usage.
Ongoing Legal Challenges
Rivera has faced scrutiny for prior allegations of not registering as a foreign agent. In 2022, he was arrested concerning work for the state-controlled oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A., amid claims he received $50 million for endeavors to ease U.S.-Venezuela tensions.
The indictment raises significant questions about the practices of foreign lobbying and compliance with U.S. laws. The case continues in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.