Venezuelan Television News Network Owner Charged in $1.2B Money Laundering Scheme Following HSI Miami Investigation

In a major crackdown on corruption, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami has charged Venezuelan television network owner Raul Gorrin Belisario in a $1.2 billion money laundering scheme involving Venezuela’s state-controlled oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA). Gorrin allegedly participated in a bribery scheme that funneled illicit funds through the U.S. financial system, acquiring luxury properties and yachts in the process.

The Alleged Scheme: Bribes, Shell Companies, and Offshore Accounts

Court documents reveal that between 2014 and 2018, Gorrin, 56, conspired with others to bribe high-ranking Venezuelan officials to secure contracts for foreign currency exchange loans with PDVSA. In return for these contracts, Gorrin and his associates laundered the proceeds through a network of shell companies and offshore accounts, purchasing real estate, yachts, and other luxury items, particularly in the Southern District of Florida.

The conspirators used an intricate system of offshore bank accounts and shell companies to avoid detection, successfully moving the illegal funds across borders. This case underscores how corrupt officials exploit the U.S. financial system for personal enrichment by investing in high-end assets.

International Efforts to Combat Corruption

HSI Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger emphasized the importance of this case as part of a more significant effort to curb global corruption. “This case demonstrates HSI’s global footprint and our commitment to curbing the flow of illicit funds while enforcing U.S. sanctions,” said Berger. The investigation involved extensive coordination with international law enforcement agencies in the UK, Spain, Switzerland, Portugal, and Malta, highlighting the global effort to combat corruption.

The U.S. Justice Department’s Criminal Division echoed this sentiment, with Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri stating how Gorrin’s actions undermined the integrity of the Venezuelan government and the U.S. financial system.

Legal Proceedings and Potential Penalties

Gorrin, who remains a fugitive, has been charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison. This indictment is part of a broader effort led by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) to dismantle high-level criminal organizations, signaling the severity of the consequences for such crimes.

While Gorrin remains at large, U.S. authorities continue their persistent efforts to bring him to justice for his alleged role in this extensive corruption scheme. This investigation sends a clear message that those who exploit the U.S. financial system for illicit purposes will be relentlessly pursued, regardless of their location.