Former Congressman Convicted in Venezuela Lobbying Case

A former U. S.

Congressman has been convicted of conspiracy, failing to register as a foreign agent, and other charges related to lobbying on behalf of the Venezuelan government. The conviction follows allegations that his consulting firm was hired for a $50 million fee to influence U.

S. officials to improve relations with Venezuela.

Prosecutors asserted that the lobbying efforts were conducted on behalf of Venezuela's state-run oil company. The defense argued the contract was with a U.

S. subsidiary, not the Venezuelan government directly.

Testimony during the trial included statements from current U. S.

Senators and Representatives, who denied knowledge of the lobbying activities. The former Congressman was ordered detained post-verdict due to flight risk concerns.

An associate was also convicted in connection with the alleged secret political influence campaign. The case highlights potential vulnerabilities in foreign agent registration compliance and the influence of foreign entities on U.

S. policy.