A Closer Look: Congressman and Wife Indicted for Accepting Bribes from Foreign Entities

A recent indictment unsealed in the Southern District of Texas has charged Congressman Enrique Roberto “Henry” Cuellar and his wife, Imelda Cuellar, with serious offenses including bribery, unlawful foreign influence, and money laundering.

The indictment alleges that the couple accepted approximately $600,000 from two foreign entities: an oil and gas company owned by the Government of Azerbaijan, and a bank in Mexico City. These bribe payments were allegedly laundered through sham consulting contracts and shell companies.

The indictment further claims that Congressman Cuellar agreed to influence U.S. foreign policy in favor of Azerbaijan and also agreed to influence legislative activity and pressure U.S. Executive Branch officials in favor of the Mexican bank.

The legal charges against the Congressman and his wife include conspiracy to commit bribery, bribery of a federal official, and money laundering. If convicted, they could face maximum penalties ranging from 2 years to 20 years in prison per count, depending on the charge.

The announcement of the indictment was made by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri and Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen, along with the FBI and the Department of State Office of Inspector General (DOS-OIG). The investigation was conducted jointly by the FBI and DOS-OIG.

The Congressman and his wife have already made their initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Palermo in Houston. It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court beyond a reasonable doubt.