The Department of Justice has indicted Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas and his wife Imelda on conspiracy and bribery charges connected to $600,000 in bribes they allegedly accepted between 2014 and 2021 from an Azerbaijan-based energy company and a bank in Mexico City. The couple has been accused of two schemes involving bribery, unlawful foreign influence, and money laundering. Federal law enforcement raided Cuellar’s house and office in 2022 as part of an investigation into a group of U.S. businessmen and their ties to Azerbaijan, with Cuellar and his office agreeing to cooperate with the investigation. The representative defended himself and his wife in a statement, declaring their innocence and stating that everything he has done in Congress was to serve the people of Texas.
Cuellar and his wife, both in their late 60s, made their first court appearance and have been released on bond. The indictments allege that the bribe payments were laundered through sham consulting contracts into shell companies owned by Imelda Cuellar, who performed little to no legitimate work under the contracts. In exchange for the bribes, the congressman allegedly agreed to use his office to influence U.S. foreign policy in favor of Azerbaijan, as well as influence legislative activity and pressure high-ranking U.S. Executive Branch officials regarding measures beneficial to the bank in Mexico City. The couple is facing charges including conspiracy to commit bribery of a federal official, bribery of a federal official, honest services wire fraud, violation of the ban on public officials acting as agents of a foreign principal, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering. If convicted, they could face more than 20 years in prison.
Cuellar previously served as a co-chair of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, which is now under scrutiny in the investigation. The Texas representative has defended his wife’s qualifications, stating that she is an accomplished businesswoman with two degrees and a career in banking, tax, and consulting. The indictment alleges that Imelda Cuellar received bribes through consulting contracts and shell companies. Cuellar released a statement emphasizing his innocence and dedication to serving the people of Texas, while also defending his wife’s reputation against allegations of wrongdoing.
The investigation into Cuellar and his wife’s alleged involvement in bribery, unlawful foreign influence, and money laundering is ongoing. The couple has been released on bond following their initial court appearance. The allegations suggest that Cuellar used his position in Congress to advance the interests of Azerbaijan and the bank in Mexico City in exchange for bribes. If convicted, the Cuellars could face significant prison sentences. The Associated Press has contributed to reports on the indictment of the congressman and his wife, highlighting the gravity of the charges they are facing and the potential consequences of conviction for their alleged crimes.
