Ex-Congressman Rivera Convicted in Venezuelan Lobbying Case

Former U.S. Congressman David Rivera was found guilty of illegally lobbying U.S. officials on behalf of ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government. The conviction followed a six-week trial in Miami, which included testimony from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rivera allegedly received $20 million for his actions.

Former U.S. Congressman David Rivera has been found guilty of illegal lobbying activities for Venezuela. A Miami federal court convicted Rivera after a six-week trial that included testimony from high-profile figures like U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Rivera, who served as a Republican representative for southern Florida from 2011 to 2013, denied the charges. The prosecution accused him of lobbying U.S. officials on behalf of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in 2017, without registering as a foreign lobbyist—a violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act.

Rivera allegedly received a $20 million payment from the U.S. subsidiary of a Venezuelan state-owned company. In his defense, Rivera claimed he aimed to support Venezuela's opposition against Maduro, not to aid his government. Rubio testified Rivera didn't disclose his Citgo contract during a 2017 meeting about Venezuela.