Fla.-based broker-dealer arrested in NY bribe case
Feds: Fla. broker-dealer arrested in $5M NY bribery case involving Venezuelan banking official
NEW YORK (AP) -- The Miami branch manager of a New York broker-dealer has been arrested on charges related to an international bribery scam being prosecuted in New York.
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara (buh-RAH'-ruh) said Wednesday Ernesto Lujan "pocketed millions" as part of the scheme authorities detailed last month after arresting two broker-dealers from Direct Access Partners and a senior Venezuelan banking official.
Maria de Los Angeles Gonzalez de Hernandez (mah-REE-uh deh-lohs ANG-heh-less gohn-ZAHL-ess deh err-NAN-des) was charged in May with receiving at least $5 million in bribes. Authorities say she was paid to direct business to two U.S.-based broker dealers while she worked in Venezuela's state economic development bank.
The Security and Exchange Commission also announced civil charges against Lujan Wednesday.
A lawyer for Lujan didn't immediately return a phone message and email seeking comment.
