Gold bars and luxury car: US Senator Menendez accused of corruption Zelenskyj during a difficult mission in Washington

Democratic U.S. Senator Bob Menendez has been indicted on corruption charges. Investigators have found about $500,000 (about R453,000) in cash hidden in envelopes and in the senator’s jackets, prosecutor Damian Williams said in New York on Friday. “The researchers also discovered a lot of gold.” In addition to gold bars, there was talk of a ‘luxury car’.

The indictment alleges that Menendez and his wife, who was also charged, took bribes from businessmen. Menendez’s wife’s attorney denied these allegations. According to American media, the senator himself did not initially respond to the accusations.

The Public Prosecution Service accuses the senator of, among other things, favoring the Egyptian government in return. “Menendez used his influence and power and violated his official duties in a manner that benefited the Egyptian government.” He also made sensitive information available to the US government, the report said.

“Ms. Menendez denies any criminal conduct and will vigorously contest these allegations in court,” the New York Times quoted attorney David Schertler as saying.

Menendez, 69, has served in the Senate of the US state of New Jersey since 2006. He had already been investigated in the past, but no conviction was reached. Menendez had always denied these allegations. The latest charge is not related to the previous charges. (sda/dpa)