Prosecutors Accuse Sen. Menendez of Profiting from Connection Between Qatari Royal Family Member and NJ Businessman

U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez has been accused by federal prosecutors of using his influence to secure a multimillion-dollar deal for a friend with a Qatari investment fund. The prosecutors claim that Menendez took actions favorable to Qatar’s government in order to help his friend. These new allegations add to the legal challenges already faced by the New Jersey Democrat, who was previously charged with advancing Egypt’s interests in secret.

According to the revised indictment in New York, Menendez and his wife accepted bribes in the form of gold bars and cash from New Jersey real estate developer Fred Daibes. These bribes were allegedly given as a reward for corrupt acts, including assisting in securing a major investment from the Qatari fund.

Prosecutors state that Menendez introduced Daibes to a member of Qatar’s royal family who was involved in the investment firm. They also claim that Menendez personally met with Qatari officials and publicly expressed support for Qatar while the real estate deal was being negotiated. Eventually, the Qatari investor invested tens of millions of dollars in Daibes’ development project, with the deal being finalized in 2023.

Menendez’s lawyer, Adam Fee, released a statement denying any wrongdoing and stating that the prosecutors lack proof. Fee argues that the interactions between Menendez and foreign officials were routine and lawful, and that the senator always acted in the best interests of the United States.

Daibes’ lawyer, Tim Donohue, did not provide an immediate comment on the matter. The indictment did not disclose the identity of the Qatari royal family member involved in the case.

The latest version of the indictment did not add any new charges. Menendez and his wife have already pleaded not guilty to bribery charges involving Daibes and two other New Jersey businessmen. Among other allegations, Menendez is accused of ghostwriting a letter to fellow senators urging them to release $300 million in aid to Egypt.

Menendez resigned as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee after his arrest in September. Despite calls for his resignation from his Senate seat, he has refused to step down.

The indictment also provides new details about the relationship between Menendez and Daibes, a powerful real estate developer in New Jersey. Daibes is known for his luxury waterfront buildings in Edgewater, New Jersey. However, a report from the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation claims that he has maintained cozy relationships with local officials, allowing him to push away rival developers and break promises regarding affordable housing.

Daibes already faced federal fraud charges before being arrested for allegedly bribing Menendez and attempting to influence a federal prosecutor in his bank fraud case.

The indictment reveals that Menendez made multiple public statements supporting Qatar’s government while the Qatari investment company was considering its investment in Daibes’ real estate development. The indictment also claims that Menendez provided these statements to Daibes, who then shared them with the Qatari investor and a Qatari government official.

In addition, the indictment states that Menendez and his wife received gifts from the Qatari investment official, including tickets to a Formula One auto racing event. Menendez allegedly did not report the cash or gold received on his annual financial disclosure forms.

The trial is currently scheduled for May 5, but defense lawyers have requested more time to prepare. Prosecutors have stated that they will not oppose a delayed arraignment or an arraignment by video.

Associated Press writers Jake Offenhartz in New York and Mike Catalini in Trenton, New Jersey contributed to this report.