Two Venezuelan citizens, Francisco de Pinto Chimienti and Domenica de Pinto Chimienti, were arrested in Bogotá, Colombia, by officials from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) due to their alleged involvement in embezzling millions of dollars from PDVSA.
The arrest of the two Venezuelans, who had an Interpol red alert, occurred on September 14 at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá.
Court documents indicate that the De Pinto Chimienti defrauded the Venezuelan State of $10 million in the manufacturing of plastic gas cylinders.
How did the De Pinto Chimienti brothers embezzle millions of dollars from PDVSA?
Through their company Gavenplast CA, the two Venezuelans detained in Bogotá allegedly requested loans from various institutions such as Bancoex, PDVSA, PDVSA Gas, Bandes, and Banco de Venezuela to supposedly initiate a project aimed at improving gas distribution in the country by producing safer plastic cylinders domestically.
In addition to this agreement, which was signed by then-President of PDVSA Eulogio del Pino, the De Pinto Chimienti were among the businessmen who secured contracts under the Petrocaribe Agreement in 2015.
However, they received their first industry loan in 2004 from the late President Hugo Chávez, who authorized $1.3 million to reactivate the company dedicated to petrochemicals and plastics.
Loans granted since 2017 remain unpaid, and there is no evidence of the production of the aforementioned cylinders.
In 2018, the De Pinto Chimienti family showcased plastic cylinders at the Expo Venezuela Potencia alongside the management of PDVSA Gas Comunal. In November of that year, the Venezuelan Embassy in Cuba reported that the “Composite Cylinders for LPG” produced by Gavenplast SA had received an award for design and innovation at the Havana International Fair.
Later, in 2019, then-governor of Zulia, Hugo Prieto, announced plans to purchase 10,000 cylinders that year and another 50,000 for 2020 to facilitate their renewal in local communities.
Extradition of two Venezuelans detained in Bogotá requested
The arrest of the two Venezuelan brothers in Bogotá follows a request for their arrest issued on August 21 by the Fourth Control Court of Zulia state, where the company is headquartered, specifically in Industrial Zone II.
The Venezuelan State has initiated extradition proceedings for Francisco de Pinto Chimienti and Domenica de Pinto Chimienti. Both are charged with misusing public funds, money laundering, and criminal association.
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Two Venezuelan citizens identified as Francisco de Pinto Chimienti and Domenica de Pinto Chimienti were arrested in Bogotá Colombia, by officials of the International Criminal Police Organization Interpol for their alleged involvement in the embezzlement of millions of dollars from PDVSA.
The arrest of the two Venezuelans, who had an Interpol red alert, took place on September 14 at Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport.
Court documents indicate that the De Pinto Chimienti defrauded the Venezuelan State of 10 million dollars for the manufacture of plastic gas cylinders.
How did the De Pinto Chimienti brothers embezzle millions of dollars from PDVSA?
Through their company Gavenplast CA, the detained brothers allegedly requested loans from various institutions, such as Bancoex, PDVSA, PDVSA Gas, Bandes, and Banco de Venezuela, to initiate a project aimed at improving gas distribution in Venezuela through the implementation of plastic cylinders. These cylinders were claimed to be safer and supposedly produced domestically.
In conjunction with this agreement, facilitated by then PDVSA president Eulogio del Pino, the De Pinto Chimienti brothers were also contracted under the Petrocaribe Agreement in 2015.
Background of Financial Dealings
- Their first significant loan, amounting to $1.3 million, was granted by the late President Hugo Chavez in 2004 to reactivate the petrochemical and plastics manufacturing sector.
- Since 2017, the loans awarded have remained unpaid, and there is no verification of the production of the promised cylinders.
In 2018, the De Pinto Chimienti family attracted public attention by showcasing their plastic cylinders at the Expo Venezuela Potencia, asserting their innovation in manufacturing. Additionally, in November of that year, Gavenplast SA’s “Composite Cylinders for LPG” reportedly received a prestigious design and innovation award at the Havana International Fair.
In 2019, the then-governor of Zulia, Hugo Prieto, declared plans to purchase 10,000 cylinders that year, with another 50,000 planned for 2020, underlining the expectation of modernization in local communities.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
The arrest of the two brothers was prompted by a request from the Fourth Control Court of Zulia State, where Gavenplast CA is based, issued on August 21. This initiated legal proceedings for their extradition back to Venezuela.
The Venezuelan State is pursuing charges against Francisco de Pinto Chimienti and Domenica de Pinto Chimienti for misuse of public funds, money laundering, and criminal association.
Extradition Challenges Ahead
The process of extraditing the De Pinto Chimienti brothers may encounter numerous legal hurdles. Factors influencing the extradition process include:
- Legal frameworks: The existing treaties between Colombia and Venezuela regarding extradition agreements can dictate the efficiency and success of the request.
- Ongoing investigations: Both Colombian and Venezuelan judicial systems must conduct thorough investigations, and any anomalies could impact extradition outcomes.
- Political influences: The political relations between both nations can significantly shape the extradition process, potentially leading to delays or complications.
The Impact of the Scandal
This high-profile case shines a spotlight on several crucial issues in Venezuela and highlights the systemic problems associated with governance and corporate responsibility:
- Corruption awareness: This case underscores the importance of transparency in public and financial dealings to safeguard against corruption.
- Economic ramifications: Misuse of state funds directly impacts public trust and can exacerbate economic difficulties in a nation already grappling with financial instability.
- Calls for reform: Potential reforms in governance, financial oversight, and international cooperation may arise as a response to restore public faith in government institutions.
Public Reactions
The arrest of the De Pinto Chimienti brothers has stirred reactions across various sectors of Venezuelan society:
- Public outrage: Citizens express anger over the misuse of state resources and continue to demand accountability for those in positions of power.
- Calls for justice: Many Venezuelans are rallying for more strict measures against corruption and are monitoring the extradition process closely.
- Social media scrutiny: Discussions surrounding the embezzlement case are active across social media platforms, reflecting a keen interest in the judiciary’s handling of such cases.
Conclusion
The developments surrounding the De Pinto Chimienti brothers illuminate the intricate dynamics of corruption, financial mismanagement, and the necessity of a functional legal system in Venezuela. As the extradition process unfolds, it would be prudent to keep a close eye on legislative changes, public reaction, and overall societal impact.
