Houston, TX - An indictment unsealed in the Southern District of Texas has charged U.S. Congressman Enrique Roberto “Henry” Cuellar and his wife, Imelda Cuellar, with involvement in bribery, unlawful foreign influence, and money laundering schemes. The couple, residents of Laredo, Texas, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Palermo in Houston.

According to court documents, the Cuellars allegedly accepted about $600,000 in bribes from two foreign entities, an oil and gas company owned by the Government of Azerbaijan and a bank in Mexico City. These funds were laundered through sham consulting contracts and shell companies owned by Imelda Cuellar. The Congressman reportedly promised to use his position to benefit Azerbaijan and influence legislative activities in favor of the Mexican bank.

The charges against Congressman Cuellar and his wife include conspiracy to commit bribery, bribery of a federal official, wire fraud, violating the ban on public officials acting as agents of a foreign principal, and money laundering. If convicted, they could face significant prison sentences.

The announcement of the indictment was made by officials including Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri and Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen from the Justice Department, along with representatives from the FBI and the Department of State Office of Inspector General.

The case was investigated by the FBI and DOS-OIG, with prosecution led by the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

It is essential to note that an indictment is an allegation, and all defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.