Texas Democrat Representative Henry Cuellar and Wife Charged in $600,000 Bribery Scheme Involving Azerbaijan and Mexican Bank
Texas Democrat Representative Henry Cuellar and his wife have been charged in a $600,000 bribery scheme involving Azerbaijan and a Mexican bank, as revealed in a federal indictment unsealed in Houston on Friday. The accusations against the couple include bribery, money laundering, and acting as agents of a foreign entity while holding U.S. government positions.
Mr. Cuellar, a long-time congressman from a crucial swing district, is accused of using his influence to benefit an oil and gas company owned by Azerbaijan’s leaders and a Mexican bank, in exchange for payments. The indictment alleges that he delivered a speech in Congress favoring Azerbaijan and inserted provisions into aid bills to benefit those paying bribes to his family.
The couple was released on bond after a brief court appearance, with Mr. Cuellar vehemently denying any wrongdoing. Representative Hakeem Jeffries announced that Mr. Cuellar would take leave from his position as the top Democrat on the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee while fighting the charges.
The charges come at a critical time for the Democratic Party, casting doubt on their ability to hold the district along the border with Mexico. Mr. Cuellar, known for his conservative views within the party, has been a reliable Democratic vote on most issues.
The indictment details interactions between Mr. Cuellar and Azerbaijani officials, indicating a close level of cooperation. Payments to the couple were allegedly laundered through shell companies owned by Mrs. Cuellar, who performed little to no legitimate work under the contracts.
Despite the charges, Mr. Cuellar maintains his innocence, stating that he sought legal advice from the House Ethics Committee before taking any actions. He tried to meet with federal prosecutors to explain his side of the story but was declined.
The case draws parallels to the indictment of Senator Robert Menendez last year, who faced charges of accepting bribes on behalf of Egyptian businesses. The investigation into Mr. Cuellar and his wife’s alleged corrupt dealings with Azerbaijan and a Mexican bank continues as they vow to fight the charges and continue his re-election campaign.
