
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
With more Moon missions on the horizon, avoiding crowding and collisions will be a growing challenge - 2
Eleven Creations And Developments That Steered History - 3
Holocaust survivor, descendants urge High Court to allow Gaza children medical access - 4
Living Abroad: Social Inundation and Self-improvement - 5
German Cabinet advances bill to cut greenhouse emissions from fuels
More than 800 flights canceled as FAA cuts traffic at 40 major airports. Here's what to know.
Archaeologists uncover details about the Hjortspring boat's origins
Figure out how to Separate Among Fledgling and Master Fender bender Legal counselors
'Here we go again': Businesses grapple with fuel costs
Air Force made critical errors during October 7 massacre, investigator says
6 Top Computer game Control center
Israel launches new wave of attacks against Hezbollah in Beirut
New Cheetos and Doritos will be free of artificial dyes
Audits of Espresso Types: Which Mix Is for You?












