A federal investigation into U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas has resulted in a third guilty plea, this time from Irada Akhoundova, who pleaded guilty to acting as an agent for Azerbaijan without registering with federal officials. The investigation alleges that Cuellar and his wife accepted nearly $600,000 in bribes from an Azerbaijan-controlled energy company and a bank in Mexico from 2014 to 2021. Cuellar has denied the charges, stating that he has always voted in the best interests of his constituents. Two other individuals connected to Cuellar, including one of his top aides and a political consultant, have also pleaded guilty to related charges.
Akhoundova’s plea agreement details her involvement as an active member of the Texas Azerbaijani-American community, working for an Azerbaijan energy company from 2014-2017. She was involved in transmitting false consulting invoices and facilitating payments allegedly in the interests of the oil company and the Azerbaijan government. Additionally, Akhoundova helped set up a Texas-based company to act on behalf of the Azerbaijan government without registering as an agent of a foreign principal. Akhoundova faces up to five years in prison for her role in the scheme.
According to indictments against the Cuellars, the Azerbaijan energy company made payments through a Texas-based shell company owned by Imelda Cuellar and two of the couple’s children. The company received payments of $25,000 per month under a “sham contract” for unspecified consulting and advising services. The indictment outlines that Cuellar agreed to influence legislation favorable to Azerbaijan and deliver a pro-Azerbaijan speech on the floor of the U.S. House. Cuellar co-chaired the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus at one point, and an Azerbaijani diplomat referred to him in text messages as “el Jefe” or “the boss.” The Cuellars face charges including bribery, conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, acting as agents of foreign principals, and money laundering.
Cuellar’s attorney has stated that as long as Akhoundova cooperates with federal authorities and tells the truth, there is nothing to worry about. The Congressman has maintained his innocence and reiterated that he has always acted in the best interests of his constituents. The indictment against the Cuellars alleges that the Azerbaijan energy company sought to build support for the country in its conflict with Armenia, the immigration status of Azerbaijani citizens, and to promote the country as a strategic ally of the U.S. If convicted, the Cuellars could face decades in prison and forfeiture of any property linked to the alleged bribery scheme.
The guilty plea from Irada Akhoundova is the latest development in the federal investigation into U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar and his wife. The charges stem from allegations that the couple accepted bribes from an Azerbaijan energy company and a Mexican bank in exchange for advancing the interests of these foreign entities in the U.S. The case has implications for both the Cuellars and their associates who have been charged with related offenses. The investigation continues to unfold as federal authorities work to uncover the full extent of the alleged bribery scheme.
