The Bob Menendez Corruption Tale Takes a Shadier Turn, Involving Gold Bars and Concealed Cash | Vanity Fair

Article by Bess Levin

The federal corruption case involving Senator Bob Menendez, his wife, and three New Jersey businessmen continues to unravel with staggering details. From indictments of hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of gold bars and cash tucked away in clothing, closets and safes, to allegations of a Mercedes-Benz car involved in a fatal accident replaced as part of a bribery scheme. The senator's wife, Nadine Menendez was never charged in relation the accident. The complex tale has since taken a darker turn.

One of the more recent revelations involves Wael Hana, a businessman who is one of the co-defendants in the case. Hana and the rest of the defendants have pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors suggest that Hana bribed the Menendez couple in order to benefit Egypt, including ensuring continuance of military aid to the country. A Washington Post report reveals that Hana, an immigrant from Egypt since 2006, held significant ties with the Egyptian government. Despite no background in shipping military cargo, Hana was entrusted with the responsibility of transporting US military helicopters (worth approximately $40 million each) from Florida to Egypt. This arrangement was deemed suspicious by various business associates and government officials.

According to the same report, various intriguing details have emerged. A Western diplomat expressed doubts over the operation's feasibility without it being protected by Egypt's security system. Moreover, there are ongoing investigations into Hana by US authorities as part of a counterintelligence probe, alongside the existing criminal charges.

In response to these allegations, Hana's lawyer issued a statement describing his story as one of a classic immigrant who has worked ethically and legally to build businesses since his arrival in the US in 2006. The lawyer asserts that Hana is innocent and has been fully cooperating with the investigation.

Despite facing immense pressure from fellow senators to resign, Menendez remains steadfast in his refusal.