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Nadine Menéndez, wife of former Cuban-American senator Bob Menéndez, was found guilty this Monday by a federal jury in Manhattan of conspiring with her husband to accept bribes in cash, gold bars, and a luxury car from three New Jersey businessmen seeking political and legal favors.
The verdict was issued in the same court where, last year, another jury found Bob Menéndez guilty of similar charges. The former Democratic senator, who chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, will begin serving an 11-year prison sentence in June, Telemundo reported.
During the three-week trial, the prosecutors described the couple as "accomplices in the crime", outlining how, from the beginning of their relationship in 2018 until after their marriage in 2020, they conspired to exchange political favors for personal benefits.
In a raid carried out in 2022 at the couple's residence in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, FBI agents found nearly $150,000 in gold bars and $480,000 in cash hidden in boots, shoe boxes, and jackets. Additionally, they discovered a convertible Mercedes-Benz, received as part of a bribe.
The businessmen involved in the scheme are Wael Hana, José Uribe, and Fred Daibes. Hana, a close friend of Nadine, provided her with cash to prevent the loss of her home due to mortgage default. In return, Senator Menéndez helped Hana maintain a commercial monopoly with the Egyptian government for the certification of imported meat.
Uribe gifted Nadine a Mercedes-Benz after her previous vehicle was destroyed in an accident where she hit and killed a pedestrian. In return, Bob Menéndez pressured the New Jersey attorney general to halt investigations against Uribe's associates.
Daibes, for his part, sought the senator's intervention in a criminal case against him and to secure a $95 million investment from a Qatari fund. Prosecutors allege that Menéndez used his influence to facilitate these actions.
The trial against Nadine Menéndez, 58 years old, had been postponed previously due to a diagnosis of breast cancer and subsequent surgery.
For his part, Bob Menéndez, 71, resigned from the Senate in August 2024 following his conviction. In addition to the bribery charges, he was found guilty of acting as a foreign agent by promoting the interests of the Egyptian government from his position in the Senate.
Frequently asked questions about the corruption case involving Bob Menéndez and his wife Nadine
What was the verdict for Nadine Menéndez in her corruption trial?
Nadine Menéndez was found guilty by a federal jury in Manhattan of conspiring with her husband to accept cash bribes, gold bars, and a luxury car.
What kinds of bribes did Bob Menéndez receive according to the accusation?
Bob Menéndez, along with his wife, received bribes that included cash, gold bars, and a convertible Mercedes-Benz, in exchange for political and legal favors to businessmen from New Jersey.
What are the legal consequences for Bob Menéndez after being found guilty?
Bob Menéndez was sentenced to 11 years in prison for corruption charges and for acting as a foreign agent for the government of Egypt, after being found guilty on 16 counts of corruption.
What role did the businessmen play in the Bob Menendez bribery case?
Businessmen sought political and legal favors from Menéndez in exchange for bribes. Wael Hana, for example, received help to maintain a commercial monopoly, while José Uribe and Fred Daibes gained influence to halt investigations and secure investments.
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