Jose Luis De Jongh Atencio, International Bribery and Money Laundering, Texas 2024
BRIEF
A former Venezuelan official at Citgo Petroleum Corporation has pleaded guilty to laundering millions of dollars in bribes and providing business advantages.
Jose Luis De Jongh Atencio, 48, was the former procurement officer and manager in Citgo’s Special Projects Group. Between 2013 and 2019, he accepted over $7 million in bribe payments in exchange for assisting businessmen and related companies in procuring contracts with Citgo, according to court documents.
De Jongh admitted to directing bribe payments from Gonzalez, Farias, and others into bank accounts in the names of shell companies he controlled in Panama and Switzerland. He also laundered the bribe proceeds through U.S. and international bank accounts and used the funds to purchase real property located in the Houston area.
As part of his plea, De Jongh agreed to forfeit over $3 million seized from his bank accounts and 15 properties he purchased with his corrupt proceeds.
De Jongh pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. U.S. District Judge Gray H. Miller accepted the plea and has set sentencing for Aug. 19. At that time, De Jongh faces up to 20 years in prison.
Gonzalez and Farias also entered guilty pleas in connection with the case. The Justice Department has announced charges against 28 individuals, 22 of whom have pleaded guilty, as part of a larger, ongoing investigation into bribery at PDVSA.
HSI Houston is conducting the ongoing investigation with assistance from HSI Boston and Miami. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the Swiss Federal Office of Justice, and the Office of the Attorney General of Panama also provided assistance.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Public Corruption|White Collar Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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