On October 2, 2026, a former Miami congressman received a ten‑year federal prison sentence for running a secret lobbying operation valued at $50 million on behalf of Venezuela and for participating in a related money‑laundering scheme.
The sentencing follows a May 2026 verdict by a federal jury that found the former lawmaker and his associate, Esther Nuhfer, guilty on all charges, including failure to register as a foreign agent while lobbying for the government of former President Nicolás Maduro.
According to the U.S. Justice Department, the case centered on a $50 million effort to influence U.S. policy without required disclosures and a conspiracy to launder the money.
Now 61 years old, the former congressman will serve the ten‑year term imposed by the court.