In an operation that has shaken the foundations of the Venezuelan government, the attorney generalTarek William Saab announced this Tuesday the arrest of the influential former Minister of Petroleum,Tareck El Aissami.
The arrest, which took place on April 9 in Caracas, marks a surprising turn in the fight against corruption and organized crime in Venezuela, a country in deep crisis after more than a quarter of a century under the rule of the so-called " chavismo", and that is going through a turbulent periodwaiting for his next presidential elections.
El Aissami, who held the Oil portfolio from 2020 to 2023 and served as vice president under theNicolas Maduro between 2017 and 2018, he was shown in a photograph handcuffed, dressed in sports clothing, while being escorted by masked officers.
His capture, according to prosecutor Saab, was due to his direct involvement in crimes ranging from drug trafficking to the diversion of public funds.
El Aissami's fall from grace dates back to the scandal of irregularities in the sale of crude oil through crypto assets, a case that according to press reports involved an embezzlement of more than $15 billion. According to reviewAFP, this led to his resignation in March 2023, after which he remained out of the public eye until his recent arrest.
Prosecutor Saab also announced the capture of two other prominent individuals:Simon Zerpa, former Minister of Economy and Finance, andSamark Lopez, a businessman accused of money laundering. These arrests are part of an extensive investigation that has led to the arrest of 61 officials, politicians and businessmen in total.
Among the crimes charged to El Aissami and his accomplices are treason, misappropriation of public funds and money laundering. Saab announced that an exemplary sanction is expected for the accused, who will face a rigorous trial for their corrupt actions.
The most shocking revelations of this investigation include price manipulation in the sale of oil products, the collection of illicit commissions and participation in a prostitution network that involves young Venezuelans and foreigners.
The Venezuelan oil industry, once the country's crown jewel, is under intense scrutiny due to rampant corruption and mismanagement. Prominent figures such asRafael Ramirez, former Minister of Petroleum during the era ofHugo Chavez, are also being investigated for similar crimes.
The arrest of El Aissami and his associates represents a significant blow to the Maduro government, which is facing growing international pressure and a deep economic and social crisis. Meanwhile, Venezuelans continue to fight against food and medicine shortages, while carefully observing the outcome of this corruption saga that has exposed the bowels of power in Venezuela.
In April 2020, the United States offereda reward of $10 million dollars for information leading to the arrest of Tareck El Aissami, whoHe was appointed by Maduro as Venezuela's oil minister.
Michael Kozak, head of the Office of Western Hemisphere Affairs at the State Department, summarized a personal file on El Aissami on his Twitter account.
“Sanctioned, Accused andWanted for drug trafficking. With these qualifications, it will be more of the same mismanagement and corruption when what Venezuelans need most is a functioning oil sector,” the official warned.
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