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.
Overview
- 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.