Senator Bob Menendez, a Democrat who led the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has been found guilty of acting as a foreign agent for Egypt and multiple corruption charges. This verdict comes after a trial that included evidence of gold bars, large sums of cash, and a Mercedes Benz gifted to his wife. Prosecutors argued that Menendez met with Egyptian intelligence officials and attempted to expedite millions in military aid to the country.
The conviction marks the end of Menendez’s 50-year political career, including 18 years in the Senate. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for his immediate resignation. Menendez, who plans to run for re-election as an independent, maintains his innocence.
The prosecution argued that Menendez used his position for personal gain, accepting bribes from businessmen in exchange for favors. He was convicted on 16 charges including wire fraud, bribery, and extortion. The trial also revealed that Menendez allegedly intervened in an insurance fraud case against two businessmen who later admitted to bribing him.
This case highlights a pattern of corruption involving members of Congress. Another case involving Democratic Representative Henry Cuellar and his wife alleges bribery and money laundering connected to a Mexican bank and an Azerbaijani oil and gas company.
