Third Guilty Plea in U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar Bribery Investigation

Irada Akhoundova admits to acting as an unregistered agent for Azerbaijan, facilitating payments in exchange for political favors.

Henry Cuellar and his wife face charges of accepting nearly $600,000 in bribes from Azerbaijan and a Mexican bank.
Akhoundova, a Houston-based nonprofit leader, pleaded guilty to acting on behalf of Azerbaijani interests without registration.
Cuellar allegedly influenced U.S. policy to benefit Azerbaijan, including defense spending legislation.
Two other associates of Cuellar have already pleaded guilty to related money laundering charges.
Akhoundova faces up to five years in prison and a significant fine for her role in the scheme.