Wife of ex-Senator Bob Menendez found guilty in corruption scheme Sentencing scheduled for June

On April 21, Nadine Menendez, the spouse of former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, was convicted for participating in a bribery scheme involving her husband and three New Jersey businessmen. 

A federal jury in Manhattan found her guilty on all charges, echoing the conviction of her husband in a separate trial last year, Caliber.Az reports, citing American media.

Bob Menendez, once a prominent Democratic senator and former chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is scheduled to begin serving an 11-year prison sentence in June. Nadine Menendez is set to be sentenced on June 12 — just days after her husband's expected incarceration.

The case detailed how the couple's relationship, which began in early 2018 and led to marriage in 2020, intersected with a web of corrupt dealings. Prosecutors portrayed them as "partners in crime" throughout the trial. Evidence presented included $480,000 in cash discovered hidden in boots and jackets, nearly $150,000 in gold bars, and a luxury Mercedes-Benz convertible — all allegedly received as bribes.

Although both denied any wrongdoing, prosecutors argued that Nadine Menendez played a key role in coordinating with the businessmen and serving as a conduit between them and Egyptian officials.

Initially set to be tried alongside her husband and the three businessmen, Nadine's proceedings were delayed due to her breast cancer diagnosis and surgery.

Testimony revealed that, amid financial hardship and a looming foreclosure on her home, Nadine accepted cash from longtime friend Wael Hana. In exchange, prosecutors said, Bob Menendez used his influence to support Hana’s meat certification business with ties to the Egyptian government.

Additionally, after Nadine was involved in a fatal car accident that destroyed her vehicle — an incident that did not lead to criminal charges — businessman Jose Uribe allegedly provided her with a Mercedes in return for favors from the senator, including efforts to interfere with investigations targeting Uribe’s associates.

Another key figure, real estate developer Fred Daibes, was accused of offering gold and cash to secure the senator’s help in resolving his own legal troubles and securing a $95 million investment from a Qatari fund.

The jury also heard that Bob Menendez went so far as to draft a letter on behalf of Egyptian officials intended to persuade fellow senators to ease restrictions on $300 million in U.S. military aid to Egypt — a move that led to his conviction on charges of acting as a foreign agent.

While Nadine now awaits sentencing, others involved in the case have already faced judgment: Uribe, who testified for the prosecution, pleaded guilty, while Hana and Daibes were convicted and sentenced to eight and seven years in prison, respectively.

By Khagan Isayev