Venezuela Uncovers Crypto Money Laundering Tied to State Funds Embezzlement

Venezuela's Attorney General, Tarek William Saab, has initiated a second wave of arrests related to the laundering of state funds. Former President of oil firm PDSVA, Tareck El Aissami, ex-economy minister Simon Alejandro Zerpa, and entrepreneur Samark Lopez are among those accused of laundering funds from unregistered oil sales. The trio faces charges of laundering assets and funds through exchanges and crypto mining firms.

Venezuelan Officials Accused of Using Digital Assets to Evade Sanctions and Launder Funds

The scheme, overseen by Tareck El Aissami and former crypto regulator Joselit Ramirez, involved assigning and liquidating crude assignments using digital assets and cash to evade national controls. Informants revealed that El Aissami and Ramirez exploited sanctions against Venezuela to bypass standard procedures. Saab disclosed that the individuals received a $35 million payment into an account of a fake company, with part converted into digital assets for laundering. Although precise figures were not disclosed, earlier reports estimated losses of about $20 billion through illegal sales.

Complexity of Money Laundering Case Involving Cryptocurrencies and Oil Payments Unveiled

The case's complexity stems from the use of cryptocurrencies in laundering funds, with Saab noting the use of "the most modern" financial methods to mask activities and evade responsibilities. Crypto exchanges like Kraken and platforms in the United States were utilized to elude Venezuelan oversight. Additionally, oil payments were received abroad to avoid detection, with funds funneled into mining firms with El Aissami's approval.

Arrest Orders Issued for Tareck El Aissami and Associates, Ramirez Apprehended Previously

While Tareck El Aissami and associates face arrest orders, Ramirez was apprehended over a year ago under President Nicolas Maduro's directive. Saab expressed gratitude for the president's support and vowed to charge the arrested parties with treason promptly.