International Bribery Allegations: €3.5 Million Linked to Nicolas Maduro Frozen by the FCC

The FCC is investigating €3.5 million believed to stem from a massive Venezuelan bribery scheme. This international investigation has accelerated following the arrest of former President Nicolas Maduro by the United States.

The ousted Venezuelan president, Nicolas Maduro, is currently under investigation by the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) in Mauritius as part of a large-scale international financial case. The investigation focuses on €3.5 million that has passed through and remains in Mauritius, deposited in a local banking institution. According to available information, the FCC has already secured an Attachment Order on this amount for several months, preventing any transactions or movement of funds pending the outcome of the investigations.

Preliminary findings from the investigation suggest that this €3.5 million is linked to an alleged bribery scheme totaling $1.2 billion. This alleged payment pertains to a project involving a major Venezuelan oil company, which is described as state-owned and operates in the strategic energy sector, a key area for the South American country's economy.

Investigators suspect that funds from this alleged bribery scheme have been fragmented and transferred through several international jurisdictions, including Mauritius. Of the total $1.2 billion mentioned in this case, a portion—€3.5 million—has reportedly ended up in a Mauritian bank. This transfer triggered the initiation of the local investigation and the FCC’s intervention.

Cooperation with American Authorities

In this sensitive case, the FCC is working closely with American authorities. Several exchanges of information have already taken place between the two parties to trace the origin of the funds, identify the financial circuits used, and determine any potential responsibilities. This international cooperation is part of efforts to combat money laundering and transnational financial crimes.

Nicolas Maduro, the ousted president of Venezuela, is at the center of this case. He is suspected of being linked to the alleged bribery scheme, but U.S. authorities have not specified the exact nature of his involvement, as the investigation is still ongoing.

The FCC continues its investigations in coordination with its foreign partners. Mauritian authorities regularly exchange information with the United States to ensure compliance with legal procedures and international commitments in the fight against financial crimes. The freeze on the €3.5 million remains in effect pending the conclusions of the investigation and forthcoming judicial decisions.

This case, which involves significant financial stakes, allegations of large-scale corruption, and international judicial cooperation, continues to be closely monitored by the relevant authorities. Upcoming developments are expected to shed more light on the identified financial flows and any potential connections to the individuals implicated in this case.