A lawyer testifying at Sen. Bob Menendez’s bribery trial revealed that a New Jersey businessman stepped in to save the home of the senator’s wife from foreclosure. This act of assistance occurred around the same time that Menendez allegedly used his influence to help the businessman secure a profitable business deal with Egypt. The lawyer’s testimony shed light on the possible connection between the rescue of the home and the senator’s involvement in the businessman’s affairs.
In July 2019, attorney John Moldovan recounted to a jury in a Manhattan federal court how he had been employed by businessman Wael Hana. During his employment, Moldovan was requested to contribute over $20,000 towards the mortgage of a residence in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.
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Hana provided the money that Moldovan delivered to a bank in order to avoid a mortgage foreclosure lawsuit.
Menendez, who is 70 years old, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges. He moved into the home after marrying Hana a year later. Both Hana and Menendez’s wife, Nadine, have also pleaded not guilty in the case. However, Nadine Menendez’s trial has been postponed until July due to her diagnosis of breast cancer, which required surgery.
During the year 2022, a remarkable turn of events unfolded when the FBI conducted a raid at the senator’s residence. The outcome of this operation was truly astonishing, as law enforcement agents discovered a remarkable stash of wealth. Among the findings were an astonishing 13 gold bars, alongside a staggering cash amount of over $480,000. As the federal agent who spearheaded this investigation testified last week, an extensive search of the premises unveiled a surprising hiding place for a substantial portion of the discovered cash. Tens of thousands of dollars were skillfully concealed within four jackets, cleverly disguised as part of the senator’s coat collection. Furthermore, additional cash was unearthed from bags and a secure closet safe.
According to prosecutors, the couple’s garage was found to contain gold bars, cash, and a luxury car, which are believed to be the proceeds of bribery.
Lawyers representing Menendez have argued that the gold bars were owned by his wife and that the senator kept cash at home in response to the traumatic experience of his family losing everything, except cash, prior to their departure from Cuba – and this occurred even before Menendez was born.
During the trial, Moldovan gave his testimony stating that Hana had requested him to create a legal document to establish that the funds used to clear the remaining mortgage debt were a loan, not a gift.
Nadine Menendez had a mortgage of $320,750, and she owed almost $271,000 in total, according to Moldovan.
According to prosecutors, Hana made the mortgage payment at the same time when they were establishing a monopoly in Egypt. This monopoly would guarantee that any meat exported from the U.S. to Egypt would be certified by Hana’s company, ensuring that it complied with Islamic dietary regulations.
During his tenure as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Menendez allegedly took actions that benefitted Egypt in order to assist Hana, a long-time friend of Nadine Menendez. However, he was forced to step down from his position following his arrest.
One of the accusations against the senator is that he acted as a foreign agent for Egypt.
The trial, which commenced last week, is anticipated to continue for at least another month.
