In a recent legal filing, prosecutors alleged that Nadine Menendez, the spouse of New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, was gifted a diamond engagement ring as part of a bribery scheme involving the senator. The ring was reportedly purchased with a portion of a $150,000 bribe intended to sway Senator Menendez's actions in a criminal insurance fraud case. According to prosecutors, businessman Wael Hana orchestrated the scheme to benefit himself, the Egyptian government, and others.
Both Senator Menendez and his wife have pleaded not guilty to the charges, as have Hana and two other co-defendants. The filing also disclosed details about cash found in the Menendez home, including bags containing approximately $100,000 on top of a clothes rack, as well as boots filled with cash, including one containing over $5,000 in $50 bills marked with a note.
Prosecutors also mentioned Senator Menendez's efforts to persuade New Jersey mayors to authorize a laboratory company, which was paying Nadine Menendez, to conduct COVID-19 testing. Additionally, the filing noted a phone call between Senator Menendez and his wife, during which they referred to her alternate cellphone as her "007" phone, in reference to the fictional spy James Bond.
Text messages between Nadine Menendez and another co-defendant suggested she sought her husband's intervention in legal matters. Prosecutors claim there is substantial evidence that Senator Menendez was aware of the corrupt arrangement, despite his denial of involvement. A confidential source expressed concern about Hana's handling of the money, fearing it could jeopardize their influence over Senator Menendez.
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