Menendez Challenged By DOJ and Qatar
Posted on 01/03/2024
U.S. Senator Robert “Bob” Menendez of New Jersey (D) allegedly arranged a deal for a friend that prosecutors say involved the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA). Menendez was already under fire from the Department of Justice for a suspicious letter he allegedly penned on behalf of Egypt. The letter urged lawmakers to ease restrictions on a large sum of Egypt’s frozen assets, for which prosecutors believe he was paid a bribe.
Menendez is further accused of accepting gold and cash from real estate tycoon Fred Daibes as a kickback for helping Daibes secure business relations with QIA. Menendez allegedly introduced Daibes to a member of Qatar’s royal family who wielded substantial influence over investment decisions. Menendez also praised Qatar publicly, according to the indictment. Daibes’ real estate development in Edgewater, New Jersey, was funded by Qatari money following the introduction. Menendez’s actions are said to have occurred between 2021 and 2023.
An attorney for Menendez said the allegations are: “A string of baseless assumptions and bizarre conjectures based on routine, lawful contacts between a senator and his constituents or foreign officials. At all times, Senator Menendez acted entirely appropriately with respect to Qatar, Egypt, and the many other countries he routinely interacts with.”
Menendez is holding his seat but resigned from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
