CARACAS CORRUPTION SCANDAL: FORMER VENEZUELAN OIL MINISTER ARRESTED
CARACAS — In a stunning turn of events, Tareck El Aissami, the former oil minister of Venezuela, has been apprehended on corruption charges more than a year after his resignation.
El Aissami stands accused of embezzling funds from Venezuela’s state oil company, a grave betrayal of trust considering his previous position of power and influence as a close ally of President Nicolás Maduro.
Since stepping down from his role in March 2023, El Aissami had remained out of the public eye, sparking rumors and speculation about his whereabouts and activities.
The dramatic arrest of El Aissami was revealed by Attorney General Tarek Saab, who unveiled photos of the disgraced ex-minister being led away in handcuffs, alongside other notable figures implicated in the corruption scandal.
Among those detained were former economy minister Simón Zerpa and businessman Samark López, known for his close ties to the Maduro government.
Speaking at a press conference, Saab, a staunch ally of President Maduro, disclosed that the investigation into the corruption scheme allegedly orchestrated by El Aissami had been ongoing, finally resulting in the arrests.
The accusations leveled against El Aissami include the diversion of funds from PdVSA, Venezuela’s state-oil company, for personal gain, with allegations of extravagant spending on property renovations and illicit transfers of funds overseas.
According to Saab, El Aissami colluded with high-ranking PdVSA officials and cryptocurrency regulators within the Venezuelan government to siphon off hundreds of millions of dollars, leading to charges of treason and misappropriation.
Despite the damning allegations, El Aissami has remained silent on the matter, opting not to address the accusations publicly.
It is worth noting that El Aissami, along with the other individuals arrested, had already been sanctioned by the United States for their alleged involvement in illicit activities, including drug trafficking and corruption.
The timing of these arrests, just months before the upcoming presidential election in which President Maduro seeks a third term, has raised eyebrows and prompted critics to question the motives behind the crackdown on corruption within the Venezuelan government.
El Aissami’s fall from grace serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive corruption that has plagued Venezuela’s political and economic landscape, casting a shadow over the once-promising future of the oil-rich nation. — BBC
