Venezuelan Prosecutor Reveals Corruption Plot in the Oil Industry
In a press conference held at the headquarters of the Public Ministry in Caracas, Tarek William Saab disclosed shocking details about a corruption plot in the Venezuelan oil industry. Since March 2023, a total of 66 individuals have been arrested in connection with the scheme, named ‘Pdvsa-Cripto’, including former Chavista Oil Minister Tareck El Aissami.
The operation has been carried out in two phases, with 54 individuals apprehended in the initial stage last year, and an additional 12 individuals captured in the recent second phase that began on April 9. Among the latest arrests are former Minister of Economy and Finance Simón Zerpa and businessman Samark López, alongside El Aissami. The trio is facing charges of treason to the country, appropriation of public assets, and association to commit a crime.
According to Saab, the investigation has revealed that the accused individuals orchestrated an economic conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the Venezuelan economy by manipulating the national currency and causing a drastic increase in the official exchange rate of the dollar. Their actions were intended to create economic and financial chaos, leading to social unrest and violence.
Furthermore, Saab hinted at the existence of international connections, including ties with the United States, which will be disclosed in due course. The ‘Pdvsa-Cripto’ plot is just one of 31 corruption schemes identified in the oil sector, resulting in the prosecution of 315 individuals and the conviction of 75.
In a significant development, four former Oil Ministers, including El Aissami, have been prosecuted by the Public Ministry, with three behind bars and one currently a fugitive from justice—Rafael Ramírez, who also served as the president of the state-owned PDVSA.
The disclosure of this corruption plot sheds light on the pervasive corruption within the Venezuelan oil industry and underscores the ongoing efforts to root out malfeasance and hold accountable those responsible. The Public Ministry’s crackdown on corruption signals a renewed commitment to transparency and integrity in the country’s key sector.
Source: EFE