Venezuelan TV Owner Indicted in $1.2B Money Laundering Scheme

Allegations of Corruption

Between 2014 and 2018, Raul Gorrin Belisario, 56, is accused of orchestrating a conspiracy to launder funds obtained through an illegal bribery operation. Court documents detail how he and his associates funneled millions in bribes to secure foreign currency exchange loan contracts with PDVSA. These illicit funds were laundered partly in the Southern District of Florida, where they invested in real estate, yachts, and other luxury goods through a network of shell companies and offshore bank accounts.

Profiting from Corruption

The indictment states that Raul Gorrin Belisario and his co-conspirators allegedly paid millions in bribes, resulting in over $1 billion in illegal profits. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri highlighted that Gorrin’s actions not only enriched corrupt officials but also exploited the U.S. financial system. She affirmed the Justice Department’s commitment to preventing the U.S. from becoming a sanctuary for money laundering and criminal enterprises.

Commitment to Accountability

U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe reiterated the Southern District of Florida’s dedication to combating foreign corruption, emphasizing the ongoing collaboration with the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). Their goal is to identify and prosecute individuals involved in money laundering that supports corruption.

Katrina W. Berger, Executive Associate Director of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), noted that the case reflects HSI’s commitment to enforcing U.S. sanctions and combating global illegal activities. She issued a clear warning that crime and corruption will not be tolerated.

Legal Consequences

Gorrin faces a charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted. Currently, he is a fugitive in a separate case and remains at large.

The investigation is being led by HSI Miami’s El Dorado Task Force, with assistance from the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and international authorities from the U.K., Spain, Switzerland, Portugal, and Malta. The prosecution involves Trial Attorney Paul A. Hayden and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nalina Sombuntham and Joshua Paster, focusing on both the criminal and asset forfeiture aspects of the case.