- Democratic US Senator Bob Menendez has been indicted on corruption charges.
- Gold bars and $500,000 were found in his possession.
- He is said to have favored the Egyptian government.
Bob Menendez has been a member of the Senate for the US state of New Jersey since 2006. Now the Democrat has been charged with corruption. Prosecutor Damian Williams said investigators found around $500,000 in cash hidden in the senator’s envelopes and jackets. A lot of gold and a luxury car were also discovered.
Menendez and his wife, who was also accused, accepted bribes from business people. The public prosecutor’s office accuses the 69-year-old of having favored the Egyptian government. The senator is said to have used his influence and violated his official duties in a way that benefited Egypt. Sensitive data from the US government was also made available, the public prosecutor continued.
Menendez defends himself against the allegations
Bob Menendez contradicts the allegations: “For years, forces behind the scenes have repeatedly tried to silence my voices.” The facts are different than what the public prosecutor’s office presents.
The senator does not want to be distracted by the allegations and wants to continue his work. However, he is resigning from his position as chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee until the matter is resolved. Menendez had already been investigated in the past, but no conviction was brought. However, the latest indictment is not related to the previous allegations.
Phil Murphy, Governor of New Jersey and Menendez’s party colleague, is now calling for the 69-year-old to resign. The allegations are so serious that Menendez cannot remain in office. They concern national security and the integrity of the legal system.