Jury finds David Rivera guilty on all counts…
A former Florida congressman, David Rivera, has been convicted in federal court for secretly lobbying on behalf of Venezuela’s socialist government, marking a major conclusion in a high-profile foreign influence case.
Rivera, a Republican who once represented the Miami area, was found guilty alongside associate Esther Nuhfer on charges including:
- Failure to register as a foreign agent
- Conspiracy to commit money laundering
$50 Million Lobbying Scheme at Center of Case
Prosecutors said Rivera was part of a covert $50 million lobbying effort tied to Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro regime, primarily during the first Trump administration, with key activities spanning from 2017 to 2020.
The campaign was carried out in two phases:
2017–2018 (PDVSA Contract):
In early 2017, Rivera’s consulting firm signed a $50 million contract with PDV USA, a U.S. subsidiary of Venezuela’s state-owned oil company, PDVSA. This phase focused on efforts to improve relations with the United States and address legal and financial issues tied to the Venezuelan government. Prosecutors say this portion of the scheme ran from February 2017 through December 2018.
2019–2020 (Raúl Gorrín Lobbying):
A second phase unfolded between June 2019 and April 2020, when Rivera allegedly lobbied U.S. officials to lift sanctions on Venezuelan media tycoon Raúl Gorrín. Prosecutors say Rivera received more than $5.5 million for these efforts.
According to court filings and testimony:
- Rivera secured a contract linked to Venezuela’s state oil company
- He allegedly worked to influence U.S. policy and ease sanctions
- The lobbying effort was never disclosed, as required under federal law
Authorities said Rivera used political connections from his time in Congress to try to shape U.S. policy behind the scenes.
Secretive Tactics and Hidden Payments
The trial revealed details about how the operation allegedly functioned:
- Use of encrypted communications and code names
- Payments routed through shell companies and false contracts
- Efforts to conceal ties to the Venezuelan government
Prosecutors argued the scheme was designed to mask foreign influence as legitimate consulting work.
Taken Into Custody After Verdict
Following the guilty verdict, the judge ordered Rivera taken into custody immediately, citing concerns he could flee due to:
- Access to significant financial resources
- The possibility of a lengthy prison sentence
He also faces additional related charges in Washington, D.C., further increasing his legal exposure.
Political Connections Highlighted During Trial
The case drew attention in part because of Rivera’s longstanding ties to prominent Republicans, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who testified during the trial.
Rubio told the court he was unaware Rivera was allegedly working on behalf of Venezuela when they discussed policy issues.
Bigger Picture: Crackdown on Foreign Influence
The conviction underscores ongoing federal efforts to enforce foreign lobbying laws, particularly the requirement that individuals working on behalf of foreign governments register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).
Officials say cases like this highlight concerns about:
- Foreign governments attempting to influence U.S. policy covertly
- The use of political connections to bypass transparency rules
Bottom Line
David Rivera’s conviction represents a significant moment in the government’s push to crack down on undisclosed foreign lobbying — especially when it involves high-level political figures and adversarial regimes.
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This is what is called a RINO!
He believes what the libs believe, and he believes in doing whatever will make him the most money.
But he wants to call himself a republican so that he can both get the vote from conservatives, and also to be able to subvert the republican party from the inside!
Morals? These people have no clue what that is!
WATCH HOW YOU VOTE!
Don’t go by what they say … go by what they do, but still keep an eye on them.
I again remind all who read this that WE are the government ( the U.S. Constitution states so. Doubt it? Read the Constitution! )!
They are our representatives.
If they do not do as they are told by the majority of conservatives ( within the confines of the Constitution ), KICK THEM OUT!