Texas Democrat Representative Henry Cuellar and his wife, Imelda, were charged in a federal indictment unsealed in Houston on Friday for their alleged involvement in a $600,000 bribery scheme with Azerbaijan and a Mexican bank. The accusations against the couple include bribery, money laundering, and acting as agents of a foreign entity while holding U.S. government positions.
Mr. Cuellar, a long-time congressman from a crucial swing district along the border with Mexico, is accused of using his position to benefit an oil and gas company owned by Azerbaijan’s leaders and a Mexican bank. The indictment claims that Mr. Cuellar received payments to back legislation favorable to these entities, including efforts to weaken money laundering laws and regulations on the payday loan industry.
The couple was released on bond after a brief appearance before a federal magistrate in Houston. Mr. Cuellar vehemently denied any wrongdoing, stating that he sought legal advice from the House Ethics Committee before taking any actions. Representative Hakeem Jeffries announced that Mr. Cuellar would take leave from his position as the top Democrat on the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee while he fights the charges.
The charges against Mr. Cuellar come at a critical time for the Democratic Party, as they cast doubt on their ability to hold onto a district with significant political importance. Mr. Cuellar, known as a conservative Democrat, has been a reliable vote for the party on most issues but has faced criticism for his stance on abortion and occasional disagreements with the Biden administration.
The indictment against Mr. Cuellar also highlights his close relationship with Azerbaijani officials, including efforts to pressure the Obama administration to take a harder line against Armenia. Payments to the Cuellars were allegedly laundered through shell companies owned by Mrs. Cuellar, who performed little to no legitimate work under the contracts.
Despite the charges, Mr. Cuellar has vowed to continue his re-election campaign. The case against him and his wife is reminiscent of the indictment brought against Senator Robert Menendez last year, who was charged with accepting bribes on behalf of Egyptian businesses. The investigation into the Cuellars’ alleged bribery scheme is ongoing, with prosecutors detailing a series of corrupt deals and interactions with foreign entities.
