U.S. prosecutors have launched a probe into reports that high-level Venezuelan officials received kickbacks and bribes for food contracts meant to relieve an ongoing hunger crisis.
The Associated Press reported in December that while the country's military has managed a dwindling food supply, food ministers, generals and other top brass have profited from graft and sales of products diverted to the black market.
Lawmakers led by Florida Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez are urging U.S. State and Treasury Departments to sanction those who profit from food shortages.
Venezuela has suffered a devastating humanitarian crisis over the last few years as a result of price controls on staples.
People wait hours in line for dwindling supplies, and hunger has spurred massive street protests and waves of migrants fleeing into neighboring Colombia.
Amnesty International cites the country's denial of the crisis and refusal to ask for international aid as factors that have worsened conditions.
In 2015, the Obama administration froze U.S. assets and blocked visas for officials accused of drug trafficking and human rights violations, calling Venezuela a security threat against the United States.
Those measures were extended this month along with sanctions against six other countries one week before the end of President Obama's term.
Read More:
- US Lawmakers Propose Sanctions For Venezuela Food Corruption (Associated Press)
- Venezuela Military Trafficking Food As Country Goes Hungry (Associated Press)
