Results for: Bribery

A New Jersey businessman testified in federal court on Friday that he believed he had a $200,000-to-$250,000 deal with Sen. Bob Menendez in 2018 for the Democrat to pressure the New Jersey attorney general’s office to stop investigating his friends and family. The businessman, Jose Uribe, is the key witness for the government in the bribery case against Menendez and two other businessmen. Menendez, 70, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he accepted gold bars, cash, and a luxury car in return for doing favors for the businessmen.

Despite facing multiple corruption charges, Sen. Bob Menendez is seeking reelection as an independent after filing a petition with over 2,500 signatures. His wife, Nadine, is also facing charges and is awaiting trial due to health reasons. The couple has pleaded not guilty to charges of bribery and obstruction of justice.

The federal prosecution of Senator Bob Menendez faces challenges as defense attorneys for his co-defendants argue the case is based on guilt by association. The defense presented opening statements emphasizing the nature of friendships, gift-giving, and successful business ventures, urging the jury to consider the cultural significance of these actions. While the government alleges a bribery scheme, the defense contests the claims, presenting evidence of loans and investments made without undue influence from Menendez.

Democratic Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey is facing a second federal corruption trial, with jury selection commencing on Monday. The trial stems from allegations that Menendez accepted bribes from businessmen in exchange for favors, including operating as a foreign agent for Qatar. Prosecutors will emphasize the gold bars that Menendez allegedly received in exchange for using his influence to secure a deal with a Qatari investment fund. The defense maintains that there is no direct connection between the gold bars and any official favors. The trial is expected to last through mid-July.

The high-profile corruption trial of Senator Bob Menendez has commenced with a dozen jurors and six alternatives hearing opening statements. Prosecutors accused Menendez and two businessmen of a bribery scheme involving millions in cash, gold bars, and other gifts. Menendez’s attorney denied the allegations, describing the Senator as an “American patriot.” A lengthy list of prominent individuals, including sitting senators, may be called as witnesses.

Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, and his wife, Imelda, have been indicted on federal charges of conspiracy and bribery. The charges stem from an investigation into alleged bribes the couple accepted from an Azerbaijan-based energy company and a bank in Mexico City between 2014 and 2021. The indictments allege that Cuellar used his office to influence U.S. foreign policy in favor of Azerbaijan and advise and pressure high-ranking U.S. Executive Branch officials regarding measures beneficial to the bank in exchange for the bribes. Cuellar has denied the allegations and has stated that he and his wife are innocent. Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn., has become the first House Democrat to call on Cuellar to resign.

Russian authorities have detained a third suspect in a high-profile bribery case involving Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov. The case has garnered attention due to Ivanov’s role in overseeing military construction projects and previous accusations of lavish spending. The arrests raise questions about corruption within the Russian military amid its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

A third businessman, Alexander Fomin, has been arrested in a bribery case involving Russian Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov and his associate, Sergei Borodin. The men are accused of receiving a ‘particularly large bribe’ related to Defense Ministry contracts. Ivanov, who oversaw military construction projects and was sanctioned by the US and EU, maintains his innocence. Despite rumors of treason charges, the Kremlin insists Ivanov faces only bribery allegations. The arrests come amid anti-corruption efforts and as the war in Ukraine continues.

Russia’s Deputy Defense Minister, Timur Ivanov, was apprehended on Tuesday on bribery allegations. Analysts believe this arrest may serve as a cautionary message from President Vladimir Putin to Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. The Kremlin maintains that the arrest is unrelated to treason, but skeptics question the official narrative. The arrest raises concerns about Shoigu’s power and the possibility of further action against him, as he has faced criticism for Russia’s military setbacks in Ukraine. The incident also highlights the strategic use of corruption charges within the regime, as it can cultivate loyalty and dependence, while also providing a pretext to undermine political opponents.

Former SNC-Lavalin vice-president Normand Morin has been sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison for his role in a bribery scheme related to the repair of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge in Montreal. The police investigation revealed that SNC-Lavalin executives paid bribes of $2.23 million to secure a $128-million contract in the early 2000s. In a related case, former CEO of the Federal Bridge Corporation Michel Fournier previously received a sentence of five-and-a-half years for accepting bribes through Swiss bank accounts. SNC-Lavalin, now known as AtkinsRealis, agreed to pay Quebec nearly $30 million in 2022 to settle criminal bribery charges stemming from the bridge project.