Tareck El Aissami, Venezuelan oil minister and important figure in the government, announced his resignation on Monday March 20, after an anti-corruption operation targeting several of his close collaborators.
“Due to the investigations that have been opened into serious acts of corruption within PDVSA
(the public oil company, editor’s note)
, I have taken the decision to submit my resignation as Minister of Oil, with the aim of supporting , to accompany and fully support this process
,” tweeted Tareck El Aissami.
Venezuelan police announced last week the opening of an investigation into alleged embezzlement of at least three billion dollars.
At least six officials were arrested, three of whom, according to the press, are relatives of Tareck El Aissami.
"I have decided to accept the resignation to facilitate the investigations which must lead to the establishment of the truth, to the punishment of the culprits"
, declared President Nicolás Maduro during a political meeting.
Tareck El Aissami, under US sanctions, is one of the most powerful leaders of Venezuela's ruling chavismo.
He served as vice-president of the country, as well as minister of interior and industry.
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