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Turkish Businessman Arrested for Helping Venezuela Evade Sanctions
A Turkish businessman was arrested for helping Venezuela's state oil company bypass US sanctions using deceptive shipping practices.
English
United States
International RelationsUs PoliticsSanctionsLegal CaseInternational PoliticsOil Trade
Justice DepartmentVenezuelan State-Run Oil Company
Taskin TorlakNicolas MaduroMatthew G. Olsen
- Why did the US impose sanctions on Venezuela?
- The US has imposed sanctions on Venezuela since 2018 due to President Nicolas Maduro's authoritarian rule and disputed elections, aiming to pressure his regime.
- What is the Justice Department's stance on this case?
- The Justice Department stated that they will continue to hold accountable individuals involved in efforts to circumvent sanctions on the Maduro regime.
- Who was arrested in Miami and what is the accusation?
- Taskin Torlak, a Turkish businessman, was arrested in Miami for allegedly helping Venezuela's state-run oil company evade US sanctions.
- What methods were allegedly used to circumvent sanctions?
- Torlak is accused of using shell companies and deceptive tactics, such as turning off oil tankers' tracking systems and changing vessel registries, to hide the origin of Venezuelan oil shipments.
- Which countries were involved in the scheme besides Venezuela and Turkey?
- The scheme involved co-conspirators from several countries, including Ukraine, China, and Indonesia, and aimed to process payments through US banks unknowingly.