Venezuela (Transatlantic Today) – The Attorney General of Venezuela, Tareck William Saab, has presented new information about the alleged PDVSA-Cripto plot. This conspiracy purportedly implicates former minister Tareck Al-Aissami in corruption operations, having links to local opposition personalities such as Leopoldo López and Julio Borges, prompting a fresh international arrest order.
Saab announced that 54 individuals were arrested during the initial phase of the PDVSA-Cripto plot. He underscored that the investigation was ongoing and clarified that the information was disclosed to the public in April of the preceding year due to complaints from certain detainees.
Corruption allegations
According to Saab, former minister Al-Aissami and his associates orchestrated a criminal operation backed by substantial evidence incriminating them. He alleged that they conspired with US diplomatic officials. The Attorney General further claimed that this corruption and political conspiracy involved opposition figures López and Borges, who were allegedly part of the PDVSA-Cripto scheme.
Duration and Scope of the Plot
According to Saab’s claims, the conspiracy happened between the first quarter of 2022 and the end of 2018, or about four years. He brought up Samark Lopez’s involvement and used his links to Rafael Ramírez, the previous minister of energy.
Administrative Irregularities
According to Telesurtv, Saab criticized the absence of administrative supervision and compliance with PDVSA contractual procedures, citing misuse of resources from various companies, including CVG goods and Cartones de Venezuela. He asserted that the proceeds from unlawfully assigned products were divided among those engaged rather than through proper means.
Political Consequences
The attorney general indicated that the conspirators coordinated their operations with US officials and discussed intentions to overthrow President Nicolás Maduro’s regime. He mentioned Operation Gedeón, which took place in 2020, as part of these conversations.
Evidence Presented
Saab played a telephone recording in which Julio Borges allegedly chats with Samark López regarding conspiracy actions. He alleged that Borges, López, and Ocariz discussed establishing direct communication with Al-Aissami to conspire against the Venezuelan state and that Al-Aissami was secretly working against the government.
The attorney general’s statements highlight a complex network of charges linking high-profile personalities to corruption and political conspiracies in Venezuela.
