A Manhattan jury on April 21, 2025, found Nadine Arslanian Menendez, wife of former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, guilty on all 15 federal counts of bribery and conspiracy after eight hours of deliberation over two days.
Nadine Menendez Convicted in Federal Bribery Case
The verdict, announced Monday afternoon, concludes a high-profile trial exposing a years-long scheme involving bribes from three businessmen and foreign governments. Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky stated, “Nadine Menendez and Senator Menendez were partners in crime.
Over the span of five years, Nadine Menendez agreed to accept and accepted all sorts of bribes – including gold bars, cash, a Mercedes-Benz convertible, and a no-show job – all in exchange for the Senator’s corrupt official acts. Together, Nadine Menendez and the Senator placed their own interests and greed ahead of the interests of the citizens the Senator was elected to serve.”
Bribery Scheme Tied to Businessmen and Foreign Influence
Nadine Menendez acted as an intermediary, facilitating bribes of over $400,000 in cash, $150,000 in gold bars, and a Mercedes-Benz convertible to secure Bob Menendez’s political favors for three New Jersey businessmen—Wael Hana, Fred Daibes, and Jose Uribe—and the governments of Egypt and Qatar.
Former insurance broker Uribe, who pleaded guilty and cooperated with authorities, testified he provided the car to gain Menendez’s help in halting a state insurance fraud probe.
Podolsky emphasized accountability, saying, “Today’s verdict sends the clear message that the power of government officials may not be put up for sale, and that all those who facilitate corruption will be held accountable for their actions.” Nadine’s lawyer, outside the courthouse, noted, “This is a very rough day for us. The case is not over, and there will be other days, and we look forward to that.”
Menendez’s Fall and Ongoing Legal Battles
Bob Menendez, a Democrat and former Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman, was convicted in July 2024 on 16 felony counts, including bribery and acting as a foreign agent, and resigned from Congress in August 2024.
He faces an 11-year prison sentence starting June 6, 2025, and plans to appeal. Nadine, whose trial was delayed due to breast cancer treatment, awaits sentencing on June 12, 2025.
Hana and Daibes were sentenced in January 2025 to eight and seven years, respectively, while Uribe’s sentencing is set for April 24, 2025. The case highlights the consequences of abusing public office, with federal prosecutors underscoring the couple’s prioritization of personal gain over public duty.
Nadine Menendez Convicted in Federal Bribery Case
A Manhattan jury on April 21, 2025, found Nadine Arslanian Menendez, wife of former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, guilty on all 15 federal counts of bribery and conspiracy after eight hours of deliberation over two days.
The verdict, announced Monday afternoon, concludes a high-profile trial exposing a years-long scheme involving bribes from three businessmen and foreign governments.
Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky stated, “Nadine Menendez and Senator Menendez were partners in crime. Over the span of five years, Nadine Menendez agreed to accept and accepted all sorts of bribes – including gold bars, cash, a Mercedes-Benz convertible, and a no-show job – all in exchange for the Senator’s corrupt official acts. Together, Nadine Menendez and the Senator placed their own interests and greed ahead of the interests of the citizens the Senator was elected to serve.”
Bribery Scheme Tied to Businessmen and Foreign Influence
Nadine Menendez acted as an intermediary, facilitating bribes of over $400,000 in cash, $150,000 in gold bars, and a Mercedes-Benz convertible to secure Bob Menendez’s political favors for three New Jersey businessmen—Wael Hana, Fred Daibes, and Jose Uribe—and the governments of Egypt and Qatar.
Former insurance broker Uribe, who pleaded guilty and cooperated with authorities, testified he provided the car to gain Menendez’s help in halting a state insurance fraud probe.
Podolsky emphasized accountability, saying, “Today’s verdict sends the clear message that the power of government officials may not be put up for sale, and that all those who facilitate corruption will be held accountable for their actions.” Nadine’s lawyer, outside the courthouse, noted, “This is a very rough day for us. The case is not over, and there will be other days, and we look forward to that.”
Menendez’s Fall and Ongoing Legal Battles
Bob Menendez, a Democrat and former Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman, was convicted in July 2024 on 16 felony counts, including bribery and acting as a foreign agent, and resigned from Congress in August 2024.
He faces an 11-year prison sentence starting June 6, 2025, and plans to appeal. Nadine, whose trial was delayed due to breast cancer treatment, awaits sentencing on June 12, 2025. Hana and Daibes were sentenced in January 2025 to eight and seven years, respectively, while Uribe’s sentencing is set for April 24, 2025.
The case highlights the consequences of abusing public office, with federal prosecutors underscoring the couple’s prioritization of personal gain over public duty.
