Democratic Senator Robert (Bob) Menendez is currently facing a federal investigation into allegations of accepting bribes in the form of gold bars, valued at an astounding $400,000.
The source of these alleged bribes is said to be a developer named Fred Daibes.
At issue are Menendez’s ties to New Jersey real estate tycoon and ex-bank chairman Fred Daibes. FBI and national tax investigators are probing if Daibes gave Menendez’s wife, Nadine Arslanian, gold bars worth up to $400,000.
The investigation has brought to light a significant turn of events. Fred Daibes, who was originally facing federal bank charges, is accused of providing these gold bars to Senator Menendez in exchange for assistance with his legal troubles.
Remarkably, following negotiations with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey, Daibes, who initially faced more than a decade behind bars, ended up serving only probation.
But the gold bars exchange is just one part of the probe.
Authorities are also examining whether Menendez or his wife accepted gifts from IS EG Halal.
The start-up company won a lucrative contract with the Egyptian government to conduct all halal inspections for the US, despite not having any experience in the field.
Investigators are seeking to determine whether Menendez used his seat as Senate Foreign Relations chairman to bolster the New Jersey company’s bid in exchange for gifts.
Menendez and IS EG Halal have denied any wrongdoing.
The gravity of the situation underscores the seriousness of the investigation.
Source: @clashreport
