Venezuela confirms arrest of former Oil Minister for 'serious crimes'

by IANS |

Caracas, Oct 22 (IANS) Venezuelan authorities have confirmed the arrest of former Oil Minister Pedro Tellechea on charges of committing "serious crimes" that threaten national interests, the Public Prosecutor's Office announced.


Tellechea was taken into custody early on Sunday morning following an "exhaustive scientific investigation," according to an official statement on Monday.


One of the charges alleges that the former official was involved in "the delivery of the Automated Control and Command System" of the state-owned oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA), to a company "controlled by the intelligence services" of the United States, reports Xinhua news agency.


The automated system, referred to as the "brain" of PDVSA, plays a critical role in its operations.


Tellechea also served as president of PDVSA from 2023 to 2024 and was appointed minister of industries and national production in August this year, a position from which he was dismissed last Friday.

Latest News
Mithun Manhas credits Jay Shah, former women cricketers after India's historic World Cup win Sun, Nov 09, 2025, 06:45 PM
EU urged to review Pakistan's GSP+ status over worsening human rights abuses Sun, Nov 09, 2025, 06:37 PM
FairPoint: Rahul Gandhi's Gen Z gamble, but is it listening? Sun, Nov 09, 2025, 06:29 PM
Mahagathbandhan prefers 'corrupt' leader as CM face: Rajnath Singh Sun, Nov 09, 2025, 05:41 PM
President Droupadi Murmu begins her State-visit to Angola Sun, Nov 09, 2025, 05:34 PM
India's calm amid South Asia's storm Sun, Nov 09, 2025, 05:31 PM
Stood up to every challenge with consistency: Sundar gets Impact Player of the Series medal in Australia Sun, Nov 09, 2025, 05:28 PM
AI to make more 'significant discoveries' by 2028 and beyond, says OpenAI Sun, Nov 09, 2025, 05:21 PM
CII moots India Development and Strategic Fund to boost longterm growth Sun, Nov 09, 2025, 05:14 PM
Muzaffarpur administration refutes media reports linking elderly man's murder to Bihar polls Sun, Nov 09, 2025, 05:09 PM
GST 2.0 comes as big boon for India's artisans Sun, Nov 09, 2025, 04:44 PM
Pakistan forced to step back as conflict with Afghanistan proves too costly Sun, Nov 09, 2025, 03:32 PM
Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is heartbeat of India's spiritual life: PM Modi Sun, Nov 09, 2025, 03:10 PM
Tejas,? Rafale sparkle at IAF flypast over Brahmaputra Sun, Nov 09, 2025, 03:07 PM
Don't be surprised if someone like Lyon doesn't play in Ashes opener: Taylor Sun, Nov 09, 2025, 03:05 PM