
Oil tycoon Wilmer Ruperti showed up for a meeting with Venezuela’s intelligence agency last Thursday. A week later, he’s still in custody, one of his lawyers told Semafor.
“We’ve reached out to everybody trying to get proof of life or some support,” Winston & Strawn’s Cari Stinebower said, adding that officials still haven’t conveyed “how he’s being treated or why he’s being detained.”
Ruperti, who arrived at the meeting with a security detail, is a Venezuelan Italian shipping magnate who trades in petroleum coke. His detainment followed interim President Delcy Rodríguez’s decision to elevate the agency’s longtime chief to defense minister.
“The message is that Venezuela is open for business — but detaining businessmen for days on end without any due process or access to counsel is more old regime,” Stinebower said. “This is not law and order and not conducive of a welcoming business environment.”
The State Department and Energy Department did not respond to requests for comment.
latest_posts
- 1
Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro seeks house arrest for prison time citing health issues - 2
People can't get enough of this couple's Hallmark movie reviews. They don't know the painful backstory. - 3
German economic institutes cut forecast in half over Iran war - 4
Exploring the School Application Cycle: Understudy Bits of knowledge - 5
Grasping the Elements of Medical caretaker Pay rates: Factors That Shape Your Pay
Chris Noth responds to backlash after seemingly shading 'Sex and the City' costar Sarah Jessica Parker: 'It is not news'
Manual for Famous people Known for Their Altruistic Endeavors
'Harry Potter' fans rejoice: HBO releases 1st trailer for new TV series, set to premiere this Christmas
'The Drama' plot twist, explained: What did Zendaya's character do, and what happens to her wedding?
Hyundai Is Keeping the i30 Alive While America Keeps Losing Cars Like It
Rights groups condemn Israel Police decision to ban Sudan Genocide protests nationwide
Minneapolis ICE shooting: Woman dies after federal agent opens fire on her vehicle amid immigration crackdown
The last penny was pressed by the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia today. Could the nickel and dime be next?
EU Commission prepares €90bn Ukraine loan despite Hungary's veto













