Additional Coverage:
- U.S. charges Venezuelan media tycoon with money laundering (newsbreak.com)
Venezuelan Media Tycoon Charged in Massive Bribery and Money Laundering Scheme
A Florida grand jury has charged Raúl Gorrín Belisario, a 56-year-old Venezuelan media mogul, with conspiracy to commit money laundering. Gorrín allegedly participated in a $1.2 billion bribery and money laundering scheme involving Venezuelan officials and the state-owned oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela S.A.
Gorrín allegedly used shell companies and offshore bank accounts to conceal bribe payments, laundering the proceeds through the U.S. financial system in Florida. He is accused of purchasing real estate, yachts, and other luxury goods with the illicit gains.
“Gorrín’s alleged conduct enriched corrupt officials and exploited the U.S. financial system,” said Nicole Argentieri, the Justice Department’s head of the Criminal Division. Gorrín faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Gorrín remains at large and has been added to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Most Wanted list. He was previously indicted in 2017 for similar money laundering charges related to foreign currency exchange transactions.
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- U.S. charges Venezuelan media tycoon with money laundering (newsbreak.com)