
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
Elite Execution Wall televisions for Film Darlings - 2
Couch Styles of 2024: What's Moving - 3
Poll: By a 2-to-1 margin, Americans say Trump has done more to raise prices than lower them - 4
Israel approves 19 new West Bank settlements in major annexation push - 5
Don't miss the waxing moon swing by the Beehive star cluster March 27
Family Matters: Tips and Guidance for Effective Nurturing and Everyday Life
Iran-backed militias reassert power in Iraq, proving the Islamic axis is still standing
It Shouldn’t Be Here: Rescuers Race to Save Whale Stranded in Rare Spot
Aspirin can prevent a serious pregnancy complication — but too few women get it, new report suggests
Child influencers helped power a booming industry. It's time for a reckoning.
Barn Stored Lotus Esprit Turbo Seen After 30 Years
Inconceivable Spots To Stargaze All over The Planet
Home Machine Basics: An Exhaustive Purchasing Guide
Figure out How to Recognize Early Indications of Depressions













