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
Rozgar Mela a symbol of new India's youth empowerment: Union Ministers Sat, Jul 12, 2025, 04:49 PM
Aishwarya Pissay eyes historic 7th National Rally title at Coimbatore Sat, Jul 12, 2025, 04:47 PM
AAIB report: Don't jump into any conclusions at this stage, says Civil Aviation Minister Sat, Jul 12, 2025, 04:27 PM
'Hope, hard work, and a letter': Appointment day turns emotional for many in Raipur Sat, Jul 12, 2025, 04:26 PM
Chhattisgarh: 23 hardcore Maoists, carrying Rs 1.18 crore reward, surrender in Sukma Sat, Jul 12, 2025, 04:08 PM
Bangladesh: BNP rejects Yunus-led interim govt's 'reform before elections' logic, demands polls 'as soon as possible' Sat, Jul 12, 2025, 04:05 PM
Golf: Aditi Ashok lies seventh at halfway mark in Evian Championship Sat, Jul 12, 2025, 04:03 PM
AAIB report preliminary, we can't say anything definite at this point: Murlidhar Mohol Sat, Jul 12, 2025, 03:35 PM
Shahnawaz Hussain accuses Congress of echoing Pakistan's line Sat, Jul 12, 2025, 03:34 PM
Demolish illegal structures near 12 forts which got UNESCO tag: Raj Thackeray Sat, Jul 12, 2025, 03:30 PM
Namibian female Cheetah Nabha succumbs to injuries Sat, Jul 12, 2025, 02:57 PM
CBI registers case in custodial death of temple guard in TN's Sivaganga Sat, Jul 12, 2025, 02:49 PM
Under PM Modi, India continues to champion the cause of Global South Sat, Jul 12, 2025, 02:44 PM
Two dead in Delhi building collapse; CM Gupta offers condolences Sat, Jul 12, 2025, 02:42 PM
Mangaluru: Two employees die, another critical due to toxic gas leak at MRPL Sat, Jul 12, 2025, 02:39 PM