Source: PrensaAmerica
The Venezuelan National Assembly has conducted a thorough investigation into a corruption and money laundering network that operated between 2010 and 2013, exploiting the country’s foreign exchange control system. The network is allegedly led by Jorge Omar Wakfie Abdelnour, known as “Yuyo,” who currently resides in Miami, along with his associates and nephews Mitchel Antonio Fannoum Wakfie and José Gabriel Fannoum Wakfie.
Fraudulent Foreign Currency Acquisition and Drug Trafficking Links
According to investigations, this network reportedly acquired foreign currency fraudulently through CADIVI and CENCOEX, organizations responsible for allocating resources necessary for the private sector’s purchases of goods and services. In this way, they extracted untold fortunes that were subsequently laundered through various companies registered in the United States and Panama.
Furthermore, they are accused of allegedly having connections and operations related to drug trafficking, money laundering, and influence peddling during the investigated period. They are also accused of attempting to cover their tracks and buying immunity by giving gifts and favors to the members of the so-called “Clap faction” in the Venezuelan National Assembly.
Companies and Individuals Involved in the Scheme
Among the companies owned or linked to the network of Wakfie Abdelnour and his associates are: Wisa Wakfie Internacional, Prodisal 21, Ensambladora Eléctrica Venezolana ENELVE, and King 200 bb 1294, located in the Industrial Zone of Barquisimeto and Punto Fijo, Falcón State; Shawarma Express Import & Export Global Trading, based in Panama in the Colón Free Zone; and Modern 10238 LLC, Modern 10286, WR Enterprise LLC, Airis Enterprises CORP, VPR Floor Mats INC, VPR Led Lights INC, VPR Food Trucks INC, Segomarket LLC, SEgomarket USA LLC, Segovariedades LLC, Office Property Rivera Point Doral GFW INC, AGM Investments Group Corp, situated in the United States, in areas like Doral Miami, Orlando, Windermere, Florida.
Individuals implicated in the scheme include Nelson Antonio Montilla, Luis Gerardo Cárdenas, Josep Abdón, José Luis Cortesi, Bruce Green, Edgardo Zuleta, and Justo Noguera. The latter two have held high-ranking positions in Venezuela.
Legal Actions Against Those Responsible
The National Assembly, as a legitimate and recognized authority, has taken precautions regarding the possibility of these companies being a conduit for laundering assets derived from corrupt practices. In previous parliamentary periods, it has sought collaboration from U.S. authorities (Department of the Treasury, FinCEN, OFAC, Homeland Security, US Citizenship and Immigration Services) in their investigative efforts concerning these matters, where there are concerted efforts.
Moreover, it has reported that two of the businessmen under investigation, Jorge Omar Wakfie Abdelnour and Mitchel Antonio Fannoum Wakfie, have arrest warrants issued by the 5th Court of Control in the Judicial Circumscription of Lara State for alleged money laundering, fraud, and organized crime.
Tags: Cadivismo, drug trafficking, Wakfie Abdelnour