Congressman Henry Cuellar Indicted in $600K Bribery Scandal

Congressman Henry Cuellar and wife Imelda face charges in a $600K bribery scandal involving Azerbaijan and a Mexican bank. 

In a shocking development, U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX) and his wife, Imelda Cuellar, were indicted in May 2024 for allegedly accepting $600,000 in bribes from Azerbaijan’s state-owned oil company and a Mexican bank. The charges, which include bribery, money laundering, and acting as unregistered foreign agents, have sent ripples through Washington. With a trial set for July 2025, this case could reshape political accountability. 

The Allegations: Bribery and Money Laundering According to the Department of Justice, between 2014 and 2021, the Cuellars allegedly pocketed $600,000 through illicit schemes. The payments, prosecutors claim, were funneled through fake consulting contracts to shell companies owned by Imelda Cuellar, who allegedly performed little to no legitimate work. In return, Henry Cuellar is accused of advancing pro-Azerbaijan policies in Congress, including supporting favorable legislation and delivering a speech on the House floor. He also allegedly pressured U.S. officials to weaken anti-money laundering regulations that could have impacted the Mexican bank’s operations.

Charges and Potential Consequences The couple faces 14 charges each, including:

• Conspiracy to commit bribery

• Honest services wire fraud

• Money laundering

Violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) If convicted, they could face decades in prison, making this one of the most significant political scandals of 2025. 

Cuellar’s Defense:

“Just Doing My Job” Cuellar, a long-serving congressman from South Texas, has vehemently denied the allegations. He claims his actions were lawful and aligned with his duty to serve constituents. In a statement, Cuellar said he sought legal advice from the House Ethics Committee, asserting, “Everything I’ve done in Congress has been to serve the people of South Texas.” The couple pleaded not guilty in May 2024 in Houston, each released on a $100,000 bond. Cuellar remains active in Congress and plans to run for re-election in November 2024.

Guilty Pleas from Associates Adding weight to the case, three of Cuellar’s associates have pleaded guilty, admitting their roles in the scheme.

 Irada Akhoundova facilitated a $60,000 payment to Imelda Cuellar, while campaign manager Colin Strother and consultant Florencio “Lencho” Rendon confessed to laundering over $200,000 from the Mexican bank. These pleas could strengthen the prosecution’s case as the trial approaches.

Background: Cuellar’s Ties to Azerbaijan Cuellar’s connection to Azerbaijan dates back to at least 2013, when he and Imelda took a $25,000 trip to Turkey and Azerbaijan, funded by a group linked to Azerbaijan’s state oil company. This history raises questions about long-term foreign influence, a concern for voters and policymakers alike. 

What’s Next: The July 2025 Trial The trial, scheduled for July 2025, will be a pivotal moment in this high-profile case. Legal experts predict intense scrutiny of Cuellar’s congressional activities and financial dealings. 

Why This Matters The Cuellar indictment underscores the importance of transparency in politics. Allegations of foreign influence and money laundering raise critical questions about trust in public officials.