Corruption operation in Venezuela: Detained

In the South American country of Venezuela, Oil Minister Tareck El Aissami has been detained as a result of an operation.

Attorney General Tarek William Saab announced in a press statement that, in addition to El Aissami, former Minister of Economy and Finance and former President of the National Development Fund (FONDEN) Simon Alejandro Zerpa had also been detained on charges of involvement in corruption.

Noting that they have moved to the second phase of the investigation, Saab said that detention warrants were issued for the former ministers following the testimony of witnesses.

Emphasizing that there could be further detentions, Saab stated that they would impose "harsh" penalties on those who dealt a blow to the country's economy.

42 PEOPLE HAD BEEN DETAINED

Attorney General Saab had announced in a press conference held on March 26, 2023, that a total of 25 people, including 14 government officials and 11 private company employees, had been detained on allegations of involvement in corruption.

Within the scope of the investigation, 17 more people were detained on April 4, 2023, for "embezzlement and corruption-related" offenses, bringing the total number to 42.

Saab had noted that they had seized various pieces of evidence as part of the corruption investigation, including numerous luxury vehicles and aircraft.

MINISTER HAD RESIGNED FROM HIS POST

Former Oil Minister El Aissami had announced on March 21, 2023, that he was stepping down from his post due to the corruption investigation launched into PDVSA.

El Aissami had been appointed as the country's oil minister by President Maduro on April 28, 2020.

News Source: 12punto