
Oil tycoon Wilmer Ruperti showed up for a meeting with Venezuela’s intelligence agency last Thursday. A week later, he’s still in custody, one of his lawyers told Semafor.
“We’ve reached out to everybody trying to get proof of life or some support,” Winston & Strawn’s Cari Stinebower said, adding that officials still haven’t conveyed “how he’s being treated or why he’s being detained.”
Ruperti, who arrived at the meeting with a security detail, is a Venezuelan Italian shipping magnate who trades in petroleum coke. His detainment followed interim President Delcy Rodríguez’s decision to elevate the agency’s longtime chief to defense minister.
“The message is that Venezuela is open for business — but detaining businessmen for days on end without any due process or access to counsel is more old regime,” Stinebower said. “This is not law and order and not conducive of a welcoming business environment.”
The State Department and Energy Department did not respond to requests for comment.
LATEST POSTS
- 1
Rick Steves' Newest Guidebook Is A Fresh Perspective On Italy Spilling The Country's Secrets - 2
The most effective method to Alter Your Kona SUV for Greatest Solace and Comfort - 3
Astronauts' brains change shape and position after time in space, study finds - 4
Fundamental Home Machines: An Easy to understand Determination Guide - 5
A single shot of HPV vaccine may be enough to fight cervical cancer, study finds
Is new Harry Styles music on the way? Fans think so, after a cryptic website and posters pop up.
Abbott issues US device correction for some glucose monitors over faulty readings risk
Figure out How to Introduce Sunlight powered chargers on Your Rooftop securely
What's changing about healthcare in 2026 — Medicare, Medicaid, ACA, premiums, and enrollment deadlines
Instructions to Keep an Inspirational perspective After Cellular breakdown in the lungs Treatment
Changing Negative Cash Mentalities: Enabling Your Monetary Excursion
A coup too far: Why Benin's rebel soldiers failed where others in the region succeeded
'Senseless violence' erupts at Christmas tree lighting; 4 injured
Flu concerns grow in US as UK sees more cases among kids












