Ex-Miami Congressman David Rivera Arrested for Lobbying on Behalf of Venezuela and Money Laundering

A former Republican Florida representative was arrested at Atlanta's airport Monday on charges of money laundering and representing a foreign government without registering. David Rivera, an ex-Miami congressman, was reportedly lobbying on behalf of Venezuela's socialist government.

According to the Associated Press, Rivera previously served as a Miami area district Representative from 2011 to 2013. However, after leaving Congress, the Republican reportedly signed a $50 million consulting contract with the Venezuelan government.

U.S. Attorney's Office spokesperson Marlene Rodriguez stated in a press conference that there is an eight-count indictment against Rivera, which alleged that he is "part of a conspiracy to lobby on behalf of Venezuela."

The conspiracy aims to improve U.S.-Venezuela relations, lobby to end U.S. economic sanctions against the Venezuelan government, and resolve an oil company legal dispute.

Ex-Miami Congressman David Rivera Setting Up to Lobby Lawmakers and White House Officials

In order to represent the interests of a foreign nation, an American citizen must first register as a foreign agent. However, Rivera did not do so and has reportedly lobbied on behalf of Venezuela illegally. Any work done by Rivera on behalf of Venezuela should have also been registered.

The indictment stated that he held several meetings in Washington, New York, and other places and has set up meetings with various lawmakers and White House officials. However, the indictment did not name any of them.

Texts from Rivera to an unnamed U.S. senator have also been revealed, with Rivera telling the senator, "Remember, US should facilitate, not just support, a negotiated solution," and, "No vengeance, reconciliation."

The senator was supposed to meet with then-President Donald Trump the very next day those texts were sent, according to Politico.

Pressure has been building on the former Florida Republican ever since it came out that he received a massive contract from a U.S. affiliate of Venezuela's state-owned oil company.

PBS reported that this happened in the early days of the Trump administration when Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was still trying to woo then-President Donald Trump into deals that will greatly favor Venezuela's socialist government.

David Rivera Knew He Should Have Registered as a Foreign Agent

In 2020, Rivera was sued by PDV USA, a Delaware-based affiliate of Venezuelan-owned Citgo. The suit alleged that he did not do any work as part of the "strategic consulting" contract he signed in 2017 that should have built "bridges with key U.S. stakeholders."

However, in his indictment, it was found that Rivera knew he should have registered as a lobbyist for the Venezuelan government when he signed with PDV USA. He allegedly sent a text message in October 2018, admitting that his lawyer told him that what he was doing was "currently illegal ... and not to touch it with a 50-foot pole, but it would be a scandal of monumental proportions."

The former congressman maintained his innocence and also countersued PVD USA. The countersuit alleged that the company breached contract and failed to pay him $30 million.

The former congressman iwas reported to have bailed out but will make an initial appearance in Atlanta federal court.

READ MORE: Venezuela: UN Experts Find Human Rights Abuses Still Prevalent Under Nicolas Maduro

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Federal authorities arrest former Miami Congressman David Rivera amid Venezuela probe - WPLG Local 10