Geopolitics/News
Ex-Congressman David Rivera Receives 10-Year Sentence for Maduro Lobbying
Federal judge in Miami describes actions as greed and betrayal in unregistered foreign agent case from 2017-2018
The source consulted reports that a federal judge sentenced former Florida congressman David Rivera to 10 years in prison on October 2, 2026, for money laundering and unregistered lobbying for Nicolás Maduro's government.
The outlet states Rivera collaborated with Esther Nuhfer on contracts of up to 50 million dollars through his firm. A jury convicted him in May 2026 on charges of failing to register as a foreign agent and conspiracy to launder money.
Judge Melissa Damian described the conduct as driven by avarice and treason. Prosecutor Jason A. Reding Quiñones said Rivera betrayed the South Florida community.
Rivera wept and stated he did not deserve to die in prison. He previously served as a Florida state representative and US congressman for district 25 from 2011 to 2013, overlapping with Marco Rubio who appeared as a witness. The work sought to shape US foreign policy toward Caracas.
