<p>US prosecutors unveiled new criminal charges against Senator Robert Menendez on Tuesday, alleging he took bribes to help a businessman secure investment from a fund with ties to Qatar's government.</p>

<p>Senator Menendez already faces corruption-related charges in the same case, which he has denied, including conspiring to act as an agent of Egypt and taking bribes and influence peddling for Cairo.</p>

<p>Menendez has rejected calls for his resignation, but in September relinquished his chairmanship of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee.</p>

<p>Menendez allegedly received bribes to assist a businessman, Fred Daibes, who was "seeking millions of dollars in investment from a fund with ties to... Qatar by performing acts" beneficial to Doha, according to the indictment.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | US: Former President Trump challenges 'arbitrary removal', appeals Maine election disqualification</strong></p>

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<p>It said Menendez had introduced Daibes to a member of the Qatari royal family who was also a principal of the unnamed Qatari investment company.</p>

<p>"Menendez made multiple public statements supporting the government of Qatar" while the company was considering investments into a real estate development owned by Daibes, the indictment said.</p>

<p>Daibes is also charged in the case and has pleaded not guilty, with the trial set for May 6.</p>

<p>In the Egypt-related charges, Mendendez has been accused of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes from three New Jersey residents between 2018 and 2022, and of having used his "power and influence to protect, to enrich those businessmen and to benefit the government of Egypt."</p>

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<p>Tuesday's superseding indictment said that agents had found over $480,000 in cash stuffed into envelopes "and hidden in clothing, closets, and a safe" during a search of Menendez's home.</p>

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<p>Some of the cash was found in jackets emblazoned with Menendez's name.</p>

<p>The 70-year-old veteran Democrat, whose parents immigrated to the United States from Cuba, has previously denied that he had committed any crimes.</p>


US prosecutors unveiled new criminal charges against Senator Robert Menendez on Tuesday, alleging he took bribes to help a businessman secure investment from a fund with ties to Qatar's government.

US prosecutors unveiled new criminal charges against Senator Robert Menendez on Tuesday, alleging he took bribes to help a businessman secure investment from a fund with ties to Qatar's government. Senator Menendez already faces corruption-related charges in the same case, which he has denied, including conspiring to act as an agent of Egypt and taking bribes and influence peddling for Cairo. Menendez has rejected calls for his resignation, but in September relinquished his chairmanship of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Menendez allegedly received bribes to assist a businessman, Fred Daibes, who was "seeking millions of dollars in investment from a fund with ties to... Qatar by performing acts" beneficial to Doha, according to the indictment. Watch | US: Former President Trump challenges 'arbitrary removal', appeals Maine election disqualification × It said Menendez had introduced Daibes to a member of the Qatari royal family who was also a principal of the unnamed Qatari investment company. "Menendez made multiple public statements supporting the government of Qatar" while the company was considering investments into a real estate development owned by Daibes, the indictment said. Daibes is also charged in the case and has pleaded not guilty, with the trial set for May 6. In the Egypt-related charges, Mendendez has been accused of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes from three New Jersey residents between 2018 and 2022, and of having used his "power and influence to protect, to enrich those businessmen and to benefit the government of Egypt." Also Read | Days after Trump verdict, gunman breaks into Colorado Supreme Court building Tuesday's superseding indictment said that agents had found over $480,000 in cash stuffed into envelopes "and hidden in clothing, closets, and a safe" during a search of Menendez's home. Also Read | Man dies inside jet engine of aircraft at Salt Lake City International Airport Some of the cash was found in jackets emblazoned with Menendez's name. The 70-year-old veteran Democrat, whose parents immigrated to the United States from Cuba, has previously denied that he had committed any crimes.

US senator Bob Menendez faces new corruption charges involving bribes and Qatar deal

<p>A seasoned US senator Bob Menendez has temporarily stepped down from his role as the head of the influential foreign relations committee in the Senate as he faces charges of bribery, reported the BBC.</p>

<p>The Justice Department alleges that Robert Menendez and his wife received substantial sums of money in exchange for assisting the government of Egypt.</p>

<h2><strong>What did federal agents discover at&nbsp;Menendez's home?</strong></h2>

<p>During a search of the Menendez family's residence and safety deposit box last summer, federal agents discovered gold bars valued at over $100,000 and over $480,000 in cash. Much of this money was concealed in envelopes and hidden in clothing, closets, and a safe, as stated by prosecutors, reported Politico.</p>

<p>Damian Williams, the US&nbsp;Attorney for the Southern District of New York, showcased photographs of the gold bars and a portion of the cash during a press conference on Friday morning (September 22).&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is wild: Democratic Senator Bob Menendez (<a href="https://twitter.com/SenatorMenendez?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenatorMenendez</a>), who was indicted today, seems to be really living large: Over $480,000 in cash, stuffed into envelopes and hidden in clothing, closets, and a safe, while over $70,000 was found in Nadine Menendez’s safe deposit… <a href="https://t.co/acUFOgUdPe">pic.twitter.com/acUFOgUdPe</a></p>
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) <a href="https://twitter.com/simonateba/status/1705246438626587061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Menendez and his spouse vehemently deny these accusations. Despite calls from fellow Democrats in his home state of New Jersey to resign his Senate seat, the embattled senator has refused to step down.</p>

<p>Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that Menendez had decided to step aside as chairman of the powerful committee "until the matter has been resolved." Schumer, a Democrat from New York, praised Menendez as a dedicated public servant who always fights for the interests of the people of New Jersey.</p>

<p>This is not the first time that Menendez, 69, who has been in Congress since 2006, has had to give up&nbsp;his coveted position on the foreign relations panel.</p>

<p>He previously stepped down in 2015 when he was indicted in New Jersey on charges of accepting bribes from a Florida eye doctor. That case resulted in a mistrial after jurors failed to reach a unanimous verdict.</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report</strong></p>

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<p>It is expected that Maryland Democrat Ben Cardin, who previously assumed the committee's top Democratic position, will once again temporarily fill the vacancy.</p>

<p>According to the 39-page indictment revealed on Friday, Menendez's position of leadership and influence as a senator facilitated this alleged influence-peddling. Both Menendez and his spouse face three criminal counts: conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, and conspiracy to commit extortion under the pretence of official authority.</p>

<p>Menendez has portrayed the allegations as politically motivated, stating, "For years, forces behind the scenes have repeatedly attempted to silence my voice and dig my political grave."</p>

<p>He believes that the investigation has been marked by a smear campaign of anonymous sources and innuendos designed to create an appearance of impropriety where none exists.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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A seasoned US senator Bob Menendez has temporarily stepped down from his role as the head of the influential foreign relations committee in the Senate as he faces charges of bribery, reported the BBC.

A seasoned US senator Bob Menendez has temporarily stepped down from his role as the head of the influential foreign relations committee in the Senate as he faces charges of bribery, reported the BBC. The Justice Department alleges that Robert Menendez and his wife received substantial sums of money in exchange for assisting the government of Egypt. What did federal agents discover at Menendez's home? During a search of the Menendez family's residence and safety deposit box last summer, federal agents discovered gold bars valued at over $100,000 and over $480,000 in cash. Much of this money was concealed in envelopes and hidden in clothing, closets, and a safe, as stated by prosecutors, reported Politico. Damian Williams, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, showcased photographs of the gold bars and a portion of the cash during a press conference on Friday morning (September 22). This is wild: Democratic Senator Bob Menendez (@SenatorMenendez), who was indicted today, seems to be really living large: Over $480,000 in cash, stuffed into envelopes and hidden in clothing, closets, and a safe, while over $70,000 was found in Nadine Menendez’s safe deposit… pic.twitter.com/acUFOgUdPe — Simon Ateba (@simonateba) September 22, 2023 × Menendez and his spouse vehemently deny these accusations. Despite calls from fellow Democrats in his home state of New Jersey to resign his Senate seat, the embattled senator has refused to step down. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that Menendez had decided to step aside as chairman of the powerful committee "until the matter has been resolved." Schumer, a Democrat from New York, praised Menendez as a dedicated public servant who always fights for the interests of the people of New Jersey. This is not the first time that Menendez, 69, who has been in Congress since 2006, has had to give up his coveted position on the foreign relations panel. He previously stepped down in 2015 when he was indicted in New Jersey on charges of accepting bribes from a Florida eye doctor. That case resulted in a mistrial after jurors failed to reach a unanimous verdict. Watch this report It is expected that Maryland Democrat Ben Cardin, who previously assumed the committee's top Democratic position, will once again temporarily fill the vacancy. According to the 39-page indictment revealed on Friday, Menendez's position of leadership and influence as a senator facilitated this alleged influence-peddling. Both Menendez and his spouse face three criminal counts: conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, and conspiracy to commit extortion under the pretence of official authority. Menendez has portrayed the allegations as politically motivated, stating, "For years, forces behind the scenes have repeatedly attempted to silence my voice and dig my political grave." He believes that the investigation has been marked by a smear campaign of anonymous sources and innuendos designed to create an appearance of impropriety where none exists. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Bob Menendez resigns as US Senate foreign relations head over charges of accepting bribes in gold bars, cash

<p>New Jersey Democratic Senator&nbsp;Bob Menendez along with his wife on Friday (September 22) faced charges of corruption-related offences for the second time in a time span of 10 years.<br />
<br />
Menendez, along with his wife Nadine Arslanian Menendez, have been accused of accepting “hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes” in exchange for the influence of the senator, as per the newly unsealed federal indictment.<br />
<br />
As per prosecutors, the bribes accepted by the couple included gold, cash, compensation for a “low-or-no-show job”, home mortgage payments and a luxury vehicle. Meanwhile, Will Hana, Jose Uribe and Fred Daibes also faced the charges.<br />
<br />
This is the second set of corruption charges levied by the Justice Department against Menendez in a decade.<br />
<br />
Previously, the senator fought off honest services fraud, bribery and corruption charges which were related to the alleged personal favours taken by him.</p>

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<p>Next year, Menendez will be going for a re-election. Since 2006, he has been in the senate.</p>

<h2><strong>Menendez may have to step aside as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee</strong></h2>

<p>As per Senate Democratic Caucus rules, Menendez will have to step aside as the Foreign Relations Committee’s chairman, however, he can still serve on the panel.<br />
<br />
In a statement, Menendez slammed the indictment.<br />
<br />
“For years, forces behind the scenes have repeatedly attempted to silence my voice and dig my political grave. Since this investigation was leaked nearly a year ago, there has been an active smear campaign of anonymous sources and innuendos to create an air of impropriety where none exists,” he stated.<br />
<br />
“The excesses of these prosecutors is apparent. They have misrepresented the normal work of a Congressional office. On top of that, not content with making false claims against me, they have attacked my wife for the longstanding friendships she had before she and I even met," the senator added.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;US to protect nearly 500,000 Venezuelans, migrants can work in US for 18 months</strong></p>

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<p>All the allegations of wrongdoing have been vigorously denied by Menendez.<br />
<br />
Speaking to CNN, he said in April, “This inquiry will end up, I believe, in absolutely nothing.”<br />
<br />
The federal prosecutors from the office of the US attorney in New Jersey charged Menendez in 2015 with the multiple charges and he was alleged of abusing his power.<br />
<br />
Prosecutors stated that the senator had allegedly taken a luxurious hotel suite at the Park Hyatt in Paris, more than $600,000 in political contributions and free rides on a private jet from a wealthy ophthalmologist Dr. Salomon Melgen and had provided political favours in exchange.<br />
<br />
Menendez's corruption trial ended in a mistrial in November 2017 after the jury stated that it was deadlocked. All the charges were denied by both men.</p>

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New Jersey Democratic Senator Bob Menendez along with his wife on Friday (September 22) faced charges of corruption-related offences for the second time in a time span of 10 years.

New Jersey Democratic Senator Bob Menendez along with his wife on Friday (September 22) faced charges of corruption-related offences for the second time in a time span of 10 years. Menendez, along with his wife Nadine Arslanian Menendez, have been accused of accepting “hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes” in exchange for the influence of the senator, as per the newly unsealed federal indictment. As per prosecutors, the bribes accepted by the couple included gold, cash, compensation for a “low-or-no-show job”, home mortgage payments and a luxury vehicle. Meanwhile, Will Hana, Jose Uribe and Fred Daibes also faced the charges. This is the second set of corruption charges levied by the Justice Department against Menendez in a decade. Previously, the senator fought off honest services fraud, bribery and corruption charges which were related to the alleged personal favours taken by him. ALSO READ | In another gaffe, Biden praises 'Black Caucus’ while addressing 'Hispanic Caucus' Next year, Menendez will be going for a re-election. Since 2006, he has been in the senate. Menendez may have to step aside as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee As per Senate Democratic Caucus rules, Menendez will have to step aside as the Foreign Relations Committee’s chairman, however, he can still serve on the panel. In a statement, Menendez slammed the indictment. “For years, forces behind the scenes have repeatedly attempted to silence my voice and dig my political grave. Since this investigation was leaked nearly a year ago, there has been an active smear campaign of anonymous sources and innuendos to create an air of impropriety where none exists,” he stated. “The excesses of these prosecutors is apparent. They have misrepresented the normal work of a Congressional office. On top of that, not content with making false claims against me, they have attacked my wife for the longstanding friendships she had before she and I even met," the senator added. WATCH | US to protect nearly 500,000 Venezuelans, migrants can work in US for 18 months All the allegations of wrongdoing have been vigorously denied by Menendez. Speaking to CNN, he said in April, “This inquiry will end up, I believe, in absolutely nothing.” The federal prosecutors from the office of the US attorney in New Jersey charged Menendez in 2015 with the multiple charges and he was alleged of abusing his power. Prosecutors stated that the senator had allegedly taken a luxurious hotel suite at the Park Hyatt in Paris, more than $600,000 in political contributions and free rides on a private jet from a wealthy ophthalmologist Dr. Salomon Melgen and had provided political favours in exchange. Menendez's corruption trial ended in a mistrial in November 2017 after the jury stated that it was deadlocked. All the charges were denied by both men. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: Court indicts Senator Bob Menendez and his wife on bribery charges