Former Congressman David Rivera Sentenced to 10 Years for Secret Venezuela Lobbying
Former Republican congressman David Rivera, a longtime friend of Senator Marco Rubio, was sentenced to 10 years in prison in Miami for a secret $50 million lobbying campaign on behalf of Venezuela's government during the first Trump administration. He was…
El Paso, TX, October 2, 2026 — Former Republican congressman David Rivera has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison in Miami. The sentence stems from his involvement in a secret $50 million lobbying campaign conducted on behalf of Venezuela’s government during the initial period of the Trump administration.
Rivera, who was a congressman and is described as a longtime friend of Senator Marco Rubio, was convicted on charges of failing to register as a foreign agent and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The clandestine lobbying effort aimed to influence U.S. policy toward Venezuela.
The details of the campaign emerged during legal proceedings, revealing a significant financial undertaking by Rivera’s associates. The lobbying activities were carried out without the required disclosures to U.S. authorities, leading to the charges against Rivera. The total value of the lobbying campaign was reported to be $50 million.
The sentencing took place in Miami, concluding a chapter of legal scrutiny for the former lawmaker. The conviction and subsequent sentence underscore the legal ramifications for individuals engaged in undisclosed foreign lobbying activities. The specific timeline of the lobbying campaign falls within the first Trump administration.
Story summarized from the original created by CNN Newsource on kvia.com, see more information here.
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