Additional allegations have been brought against US Senator Bob Menendez in the corruption case. In an expanded indictment, prosecutors accuse the Democrat of accepting bribes and luxury items to leverage his political influence not only for the Egyptian government but also for Qatar.
One aspect of the allegations involves support for multimillion-dollar investments through a fund connected to the Qatari government. The senator from New Jersey had previously been accused by the prosecution of influencing political decision-making in favor of the Egyptian government and receiving personal benefits in return. Trial to Start in May
Menendez is now additionally accused of assisting a businessman in securing multimillion-dollar investments from a fund associated with the Gulf emirate in exchange for bribery. According to the allegations, the 70-year-old senator, along with his wife, accepted “hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes.”
The indictment further claims that Menendez acted in a manner beneficial to Qatar, allegedly introducing the US businessman to a member of the Qatari ruling family who also headed the implicated investment fund. The businessman involved in the case is also facing charges and has pleaded not guilty. The trial is scheduled to begin on May 6.
Menendez was initially charged with corruption allegations in September. For months, he has been accused of acting as an unregistered “foreign agent” for Egypt, benefiting Egyptian military and intelligence officials in exchange for bribes. Investigators found approximately $500,000 (around €469,000) in cash hidden in envelopes and jackets, as stated by the prosecution. There were also reports of a significant amount of gold. Rejection of Resignation Demands, Suspension of Committee Chairmanship
The indictment alleges, among other things, that Menendez and his wife allowed themselves to be bribed by businessmen and worked on behalf of the Egyptian government. The accusations had previously been expanded and supplemented.
He, along with his wife and two business partners, pleaded not guilty to the initial version of the indictment. Despite the allegations, several Democratic senators called for his resignation. Menendez has thus far refused to step down. However, his party colleague, US President Joe Biden, has decided to suspend his chairmanship of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. If convicted, Menendez could face a lengthy prison sentence.