David Rivera Charged With Lobbying for Sanctioned Venezuelan Tycoon

What’s New

Former Republican Representative David Rivera of Florida was indicted on Wednesday for allegedly failing to register as a foreign agent for Venezuelan media mogul Raúl Gorrín, a sanctioned billionaire accused of embezzling state funds under Nicolás Maduro’s regime.

Prosecutors allege Rivera received $5.5 million from Gorrín or his associates to advocate for sanctions relief.

Newsweek has contacted Rivera’s representatives for comment.

Why It Matters

The case highlights continued concerns about the influence of unregistered foreign lobbying in U.S. politics. Gorrín, sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department in 2018, faces accusations of bribing Venezuelan officials to divert state funds. His lobbying efforts through intermediaries attempted to undermine U.S. sanctions designed to curtail corruption and human rights abuses under Maduro.

Prosecutors say Rivera’s efforts, while unsuccessful, reflect a broader strategy by Maduro’s allies to try to secure U.S. policy changes.

What To Know

Rivera was indicted after allegedly lobbying the Trump administration to lift U.S. sanctions against Gorrín between June 2019 and April 2020. Rivera faces charges of money laundering and violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), allegedly using Delaware-based shell companies to conceal his activities.

This is Rivera’s second legal case involving Gorrín. In 2022, he was arrested over a $50 million consulting contract with a U.S. affiliate of Venezuela’s state oil company, PDVSA, which prosecutors say was a front for lobbying on behalf of Maduro’s government.

According to court records in the earlier criminal complaint and a parallel lawsuit filed against Rivera by Maduro’s opponents who now control the U.S. subsidiary of PDVSA, Rivera also looked to set up a possible flight and meeting on Gorrín’s jet for a female campaign adviser turned White House “counselor” on June 27, 2017, the same day that Trump senior adviser Kellyanne Conway was in Miami for a fundraising dinner with Miami Republicans.

Conway denied involvement, telling The Associated Press that she always flew commercial for political events, with travel arranged by the Secret Service.

Rivera reportedly paid an unnamed former U.S. official $125,000 to assist in his efforts and sought to bolster Gorrín’s standing through meetings and photo opportunities, including a handshake with then-Vice President Mike Pence. Rivera also allegedly attempted to arrange connections between Venezuela’s foreign minister and Exxon executives via Republican Representative Pete Sessions of Texas.

Rivera and Gorrín reportedly also met with U.S. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, Trump’s pick for secretary of state, who was Rivera’s roommate when both were state lawmakers in Tallahassee.

Rivera, who served in Congress from 2011 to 2013, has faced multiple controversies, including election-related scandals and alleged misuse of campaign funds.

What People Are Saying

The Justice Department said in an official statement: As part of the scheme, Rivera invented companies in the names of a law firm and unnamed government official, referred to as Government Official-1 in the indictment, without their knowledge, the department said. “In reality, these entities were not affiliated with the law firm or Government Official-1, and neither the law firm nor Government Official-1 were aware that Rivera had created shell companies in their names,” the announcement said.

Nicole Argentieri, principal deputy attorney general, said: “Gorrin’s alleged conduct enriched corrupt government officials and exploited the U.S. financial system to facilitate these crimes […] The United States is not a safe haven for carrying out money laundering schemes or hiding criminal proceeds.”

What Happens Next

Rivera faces trial on charges that could result in significant prison time if convicted. The investigation is ongoing, with prosecutors examining whether other U.S. officials knowingly facilitated Rivera’s activities or benefited from his schemes.

Raúl Gorrín remains a fugitive. The U.S. government continues to offer rewards for information leading to his capture, as broader sanctions enforcement against Maduro’s administration persists.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.