Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek Saab revealed today, Saturday, that the expansion of the anti-corruption investigation has led to the arrest of ten officials and 11 businessmen, adding that arrest warrants have been issued for 11 others. In a press conference, he stated, "We are talking about one of the most shocking conspiracies in recent years, which involves officials and businessmen who benefited from corruption, as well as youths involved in corruption and money laundering."
Saab clarified that the detainees face charges of embezzling public assets, money laundering, promoting the sale of stolen goods, and belonging to a criminal organization, noting that the implicated officials may also face charges of treason. The investigation, which began in October, focuses on the state-owned Venezuelan National Oil Company, a government agency overseeing cryptocurrency transactions, and the judiciary.
Last week, the investigation led to the resignation of influential Oil Minister Tarek El Aissami, who has served in the government for two decades. Pedro Tellechea was appointed in his place as the head of the Venezuelan National Oil Company. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro stated that he is directly overseeing the investigation and has entrusted Tellechea with overseeing the entire oil sector.
