Kofi Mensah Venezuelan Attorney General Accuses Exxonmobil of Funding Essequibo Ballot Opposition Through Cryptocurrency
Tarek William Saab, the Attorney General of Venezuela, has made a startling revelation, alleging that Exxonmobil, a prominent U.S.-based oil and gas corporation, employed intermediaries and cryptocurrency as a means to provide financial support to groups opposing the recent ballot concerning Venezuela’s stance on the ongoing Essequibo territorial dispute. This move has resulted in the issuance of fourteen arrest warrants for individuals suspected of conspiring against the interests of Venezuela.
Exxonmobil’s Utilization of Cryptocurrency in Orchestrating Opposition to Venezuela’s Essequibo Claim
The Venezuelan government has uncovered a complex scheme involving money laundering, cryptocurrency transactions, and a concerted effort to sway the outcome of the recent ballot, which sought to determine Venezuela’s approach to the Essequibo territorial claim. Attorney General Tarek William Saab disclosed that Exxonmobil, one of the largest players in the global oil and gas industry, utilized both national and international intermediaries in pursuit of these objectives, indirectly channeling financial resources through them.
Saab stated:
“Through extensive investigative efforts, we have traced a series of financial maneuvers stemming from the money laundering activities of international organizations and foreign entities, with Exxonmobil being a notable player.”
The Essequibo referendum, conducted on December 3, witnessed the participation of over 10 million Venezuelans who lent their support to the nation’s territorial claims over the region administered by Guyana.
Saab revealed that the funds fueling this campaign were introduced into Venezuela via substantial cash deposits and cryptocurrency transactions, with a specific mention of USDT, a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar. These financial operations were allegedly orchestrated by Damian Merlo, a U.S. citizen with ties to former U.S. President Donald Trump, as well as Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. The execution of these operations was entrusted to Savoi Jandon Wright, another U.S. national who is currently in the custody of Venezuelan authorities.
Notably, fourteen arrest warrants have been issued in connection with these activities, implicating opposition figures residing abroad. Among those named are former interim President of Venezuela, Juan Guaido, and former supporters of Hugo Chavez, Andres Izarra and Rafael Ramirez.
Exxonmobil’s CEO, Darren Woods, vehemently denied the allegations of the company’s involvement in financing Guyana’s actions in the Essequibo dispute. In a recent interview, Woods asserted:
“We are confining our role to our core expertise, primarily assisting Guyana in the responsible development of their resources.”
This development marks the second cryptocurrency-related scandal to emerge in Venezuela this year. In March, Joselit Ramirez, the head of Venezuela’s cryptocurrency regulatory body, Sunacrip, along with other government officials, were apprehended on corruption charges related to the use of cryptocurrency for brokering oil deals as a means of circumventing U.S. sanctions.
What are your thoughts on the allegations surrounding Exxonmobil’s purported use of cryptocurrency to support opposition groups in the recent Essequibo claim ballot in Venezuela? We invite you to share your views in the comments section below.
Table Of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cryptocurrency Influence
What are the allegations against Exxonmobil in Venezuela?
Exxonmobil is accused of using intermediaries and cryptocurrency to finance opposition activities in Venezuela’s Essequibo ballot, as per the Venezuelan Attorney General’s claims.
What is the Essequibo ballot and why is it significant?
The Essequibo ballot is a referendum that took place on December 3, where Venezuelans voted on their stance regarding the ongoing territorial dispute over the Essequibo region, administered by Guyana. It’s significant because it reflects Venezuela’s position on this contentious issue.
Who has been implicated in these allegations?
Fourteen arrest warrants have been issued, targeting individuals allegedly involved in conspiring against Venezuela. Notable figures include former interim President Juan Guaido and former Chavez supporters Andres Izarra and Rafael Ramirez.
How was cryptocurrency involved in this situation?
Cryptocurrency, particularly USDT (a dollar-pegged stablecoin), was allegedly used to channel funds into Venezuela to support opposition efforts. Damian Merlo, a U.S. national linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump, was reportedly involved in these transactions.
What is Exxonmobil’s response to these allegations?
Exxonmobil’s CEO, Darren Woods, has denied the company’s involvement in financing Guyana’s actions in the Essequibo dispute. He stated that their role is focused on assisting Guyana in responsibly developing their resources.
No, it’s the second cryptocurrency-related scandal this year. In March, the head of Venezuela’s cryptocurrency regulatory body, Joselit Ramirez, and other officials were arrested on corruption charges related to the use of cryptocurrency for brokering oil deals and evading U.S. sanctions.
More about Cryptocurrency Influence
- Venezuelan Attorney General’s Allegations
- Essequibo Ballot Overview
- Individuals Implicated in Allegations
- Role of Cryptocurrency in Allegations
- Exxonmobil’s Response
- Previous Cryptocurrency Scandal in Venezuela
4 comments
cryptocurrency again? gov’nt officials arrested, not good!
exxonmobil denyin’ stuff, huh, sounds like big trouble, ya know?
Important ballot, Venezuela-Guyana dispute, exxonmobil controversy, wow!
14 warrants, big names, messy situation.