Venezuelan media mogul Raul Gorrin Belisario faces charges from the U.S. DOJ for a $1.2 billion money laundering conspiracy linked to PDVSA.
At a Glance
- The U.S. has charged Raul Gorrin Belisario with laundering hundreds of millions linked to Venezuela’s PDVSA.
- Gorrin owns Globovision, a network tied to President Maduro.
- The $1.2 billion scheme involves bribing Venezuelan officials for PDVSA contracts.
- If convicted, Gorrin faces up to 20 years in prison.
Indictment Overview
The U.S. Department of Justice has charged Raul Gorrin Belisario in a $1.2 billion money laundering conspiracy related to Venezuela’s state-owned oil company, PDVSA. The allegations indicate that Gorrin, a Venezuelan media magnate, orchestrated a scheme to funnel large sums of illegally obtained money through the U.S. financial system. The indictment highlights his involvement in corrupt practices, including paying bribes to Venezuelan officials to secure advantageous currency exchange agreements.
Gorrin remains a prominent figure in media as the owner of Venezuela’s pro-government Globovision news network. His connections to President Nicolas Maduro have brought increased scrutiny. The charges assert that Gorrin used his media power to facilitate this corruption, exemplifying the criminal exploitation of global financial systems. His indictment is a component of a larger U.S. initiative to combat persistent corruption within the Maduro administration.
Significant Details and Past Accusations
Prior to this indictment, Gorrin had already faced charges in 2020 concerning similar acts of money laundering and violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. His alleged acts involved lavish spending on luxury goods as bribes, reflecting a history of financial misconduct. The United States asserts jurisdiction over these crimes due to planning and financial transactions executed within Florida and New York.
“Gorrin’s alleged conduct enriched corrupt government officials and exploited the US financial system to facilitate these crimes” – Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M Argentieri
The U.S. government has consistently targeted high-profile Venezuelan officials involved in corruption. This effort includes imposing sanctions on individuals aligned with President Maduro, particularly regarding allegations of electoral fraud. The federal grand jury’s decision to indict Gorrin underscores the vigorous U.S. campaign to expose and penalize corrupt activities challenging regional stability and security.
#MostWantedWednesday Have you seen this #mostwanted #fugitive? Raul Gorrin Belisario, a Venezuelan citizen, is wanted for violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act & 9 counts of money laundering. Learn more: https://t.co/uQgGCcXNC8 pic.twitter.com/NPCstw0zxA
— ICE (@ICEgov) January 6, 2021
Investigation and Future Outlook
The Miami indictment underscores Gorrin’s integral role in a sophisticated network of money laundering, involving fake loan agreements and embezzlement from Venezuela’s declining oil production sector. U.S. prosecutors view him as a key player among the “boliburgueses,” a group that amassed wealth during Hugo Chavez’s tenure. The ongoing “Operation Money Flight” investigation ties this case to previous charges and guilty pleas, highlighting a broader strategy to root out entrenched corruption.
As the legal proceedings continue, Gorrin remains a fugitive at large, last seen in Caracas. The U.S. Justice Department emphasizes their commitment to preventing America from being a sanctuary for illicit financial activities. The results of this high-profile case may influence diplomatic relations with Venezuela and signal international commitment to combating financial crimes and corruption.
Sources
1. A Venezuelan media tycoon is charged in a bribery conspiracy in Florida
2. US charges Venezuelan media tycoon with money laundering
