
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
The Electric Toyota Hilux Is Finally here, But It's Not Cheap - 2
Climate leaders are talking about 'overshoot' into warming danger zone. Here's what it means - 3
the Kinds of Thailand: Decision in favor of Your Number one Thai Dish! - 4
Guns N' Roses 2026 Tour: How to get tickets, presale times, prices and more - 5
Abbott issues US device correction for some glucose monitors over faulty readings risk
NASA releases stunning new images captured by the Artemis II moon mission, including 'Earthset' and a solar eclipse from space
Bruno Mars tour 2026: How to get tickets for 'The Romantic Tour,' presale times, prices and more
Takeaways from AP’s report on potential impacts of Alaska’s proposed Ambler Access Road
Miss 'Stranger Things' already? Here's how you can get your Upside Down fix in 2026 with spinoffs, games and more
German finance minister sees advantages of smartphones in schools
Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS will fly by Earth Friday. Here are the latest images
Tzrifin base exhibition reveals Hamas and Hezbollah arms, showing structure behind attacks
More loons are filling Maine's lakes with their ghostlike calls
Farmers call for French blockades over cow disease cull













