Elizabeth Ochoa detained in Venezuela for alleged influence peddling

Lawyer Elizabeth Ochoa, who gained viral notoriety as ‘la tapa del frasco’, has been detained in Carabobo, Venezuela. Ochoa became a subject of public attention after a video surfaced showing her claiming protection from Diosdado Cabello, the Minister of Interior, Justice, and Peace, during a police procedure.

Minister Cabello has officially denied any relationship with Ochoa and urged any victims of her actions to file formal complaints with the Public Ministry. Ochoa is currently held by the National Bolivarian Police (PNB) and faces three specific charges: influence peddling, misuse of a public official's name, and insulting a public official.

In addition to the viral incident, neighbors in the Terrazas de Paramacay urban area in Naguanagua have accused Ochoa of physical aggression, alleging she has struck several neighbors in recent years. She is expected to be transferred to the 6th Control Court with jurisdiction over corruption.