From right: David Rivera, David Osio and Congress-
woman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.
Dear Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen,
It has been some time since our last communication, and I hope this message reaches you in good spirits.
Recently, you attended an event on Capitol Hill alongside Congressman Connie Mack, Senator Marco Rubio, and the now-disgraced former Congressman David Rivera, where a group of Venezuelans was recognized for their “distinguished contributions.”
I’m unclear about the criteria used to determine which Venezuelan resident in the USA would be celebrated for their contributions. However, many people felt appalled that David Osio was included in the honored group. Some even contended that the whole event, orchestrated by David Rivera’s Miami-based Venezuelan girlfriend, was funded by Osio to clean up his tarnished image. Of course, it would be irresponsible to make such claims without proper evidence; they are merely reflections of public sentiment.
Regardless, I would like to ask you this: Did you or your staff conduct any due diligence on the members of that “distinguished” group? Can anyone specifically identify David Osio’s alleged contributions to the United States? Are you aware that Osio’s financial group, DAVOS, warns “US citizens, residents, or any person located in the United States” on its website to avoid considering its products and services? Why does he evade U.S. regulations? Were you informed about Osio’s involvement in the over $500 million ponzi scheme orchestrated by Francisco Illarramendi, which caused significant losses for Venezuelan oil workers’ pension funds? Did you know that, through his DAVOS website, Osio made the ludicrous and completely false claim—later deleted after I brought it to attention—that his financial group managed $1 trillion? Are you aware of his ongoing professional ties to deeply corrupt chavista officials in Venezuela? I believe he is one of the preferred bankers for the Venezuelan “boligarchy.”
David Osio actively employs PR firms and lawyers to silence his critics and even directly sends unfounded statements defending his “reputation” when challenged—I’ve been told he has emailed you some of his outrageous defenses.
I want to sincerely express my concerns. The truth about David Osio and his massive money laundering operation is bound to make headlines someday. What will be your response? Will you claim ignorance? Or will you choose to overlook it, similar to Al Cardenas when he was confronted about his dealings with corrupt chavista businessmen? Did Cardenas sing praises about David Osio and assure you he conducted proper due diligence and that Osio is “clean”? Please take note, Congresswoman, Al Cardenas has considerable financial incentives to defend criminals like David Osio. He is connected with a “due diligence” firm named FTI Consulting, which has its own tainted history. Cardenas is a fixer and rainmaker for his law firm, for FTI, and for his lobbying firm—and he often targets Venezuelans with ethical issues.
We who come from nations lacking the rule of law appreciate the U.S. Congress members who bravely stand against dictatorships and speak out against the crimes and abuses of authoritarian regimes. You are one of the leaders in Congress who has long advocated for the suffering people from Havana to Hungary. We need your strength, and I feel it is my obligation to alert you when individuals with financial interests, like Cardenas, attempt to obscure the truth by supporting the reputations of shady businessmen like David Osio.
Sincerely,
Alek Boyd