
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
An Artemis 2 astronaut took a 'bath' on camera on the way to the moon. Mission Control's reaction was priceless (video) - 2
Beating Scholastic Difficulties: Understudy Examples of overcoming adversity - 3
How to identify animal tracks, burrows and other signs of wildlife in your neighborhood - 4
Wisconsin judge sends Slender Man attacker back to mental health institution after group home escape - 5
April full moon 2026 dazzles as 'Pink Moon' lights up skies worldwide (photos)
'Stranger Things' made him a heartthrob. He left Hollywood anyway.
An Excursion Through Renowned Western Network programs
Benedict Cumberbatch takes on something even Sherlock can’t solve: male grief
Find the Historical backdrop of Common liberties: Advancing Equity and Equity Around the world
Nations for Youngsters to Visit
Council removes proposal to rename park named after former president of Israel
UN estimates over 2,000 Sudanese pregnant women have fled el-Fasher to escape conflict
Where should we send a real 'Hail Mary' spacecraft? A new study has the answers
Best bar-b-que Style: Which One Is Your Number one?













