
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
Divorce filings, feuds and legal trouble: The 'Mormon Wives' drama keeps piling up - 2
FDA adds strongest warning to Sarepta gene therapy linked to 2 patient deaths - 3
6 Well known Nissan Vehicles in the U.S. - 4
Getting through a Lifelong Change: Individual Examples of overcoming adversity - 5
One third of Spanish pork export certificates blocked since swine fever outbreak, minister says
Must-See Attractions in Washington, D.C.
Excursion to Different Universes: the Top Sci-fi Motion pictures Ever
2024's Savvy Home Gadgets for an Associated Way of life
Vinicultural Investigation: A Survey of \Enjoying Fine Vintages\ Wine sampling
Sexual violence is being used as a weapon in Sudan's war, doctors group says
State asks High Court to reject challenge to anti-UNRWA laws ahead of Monday hearing
A Past filled with Old Civilizations: The World's Most established Societies
Best Amusement Park Bite: What Do You Very much want to Crunch On?
'We need everyone,' wounded reservist urges Knesset panel to advance haredi draft law













