Roger Piñate, the co-founder of Florida-based Smartmatic, is facing federal charges after prosecutors in Miami accused him of bribing a top Venezuelan election official in an effort to secure favorable treatment in contract disputes.
According to a recent court filing reviewed by the Miami Herald, Piñate is alleged to have transferred ownership of a luxury residence in Caracas to Tibisay Lucena Ramírez, then-president of Venezuela’s National Electoral Council, in what prosecutors describe as an illicit bribe.
Evidence Includes Texts, Photos, Witnesses
Federal prosecutors claim to possess:
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Text messages and photos of the property transfer
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Witness testimony confirming the transaction
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Communications attempting to cover up the deal, which they allege clearly show intent to bribe
Ramírez’s role placed her at the helm of Venezuela’s controversial election system, giving her significant control over electoral outcomes and vendor contracts.
Part of Broader DOJ Case Linked to Philippine Bribery Scheme
The Caracas residence transfer is just the latest in a growing legal case against Piñate,
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