US lawmakers demand transparency over Venezuela oil deal

US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has issued a formal demand for President Donald Trump to disclose potential financial beneficiaries of a recent oil agreement with Venezuela. In a letter requesting answers by September 14, Krishnamoorthi questioned whether the President, his family, political allies, or major donors stand to profit from the deal before significant US taxpayer funds are committed to the Venezuelan energy sector.

The agreement, announced by the Trump administration on August 28, reportedly grants the United States majority control over more than 65 billion barrels of proven oil reserves in Venezuela. Details indicate the deal includes a 35 per cent US stake in the corporate parent of North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP) and preferential rights to purchase certain oil production.

Krishnamoorthi expressed concerns regarding the legality of the arrangement and the lack of public information. He specifically highlighted Alejandro Betancourt, the leader of NABEP, noting that Betancourt has faced investigations in Switzerland, Spain, and the United States involving allegations of money laundering.