
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
Farmers call for French blockades over cow disease cull - 2
South African radio presenter among five charged over Russia recruitment plot - 3
Land Rover Just Unveiled Its Dakar Rally Defender - 4
Europe’s EV Boom Was Real in 2025. The Real Fight Starts In 2026 - 5
Cases of norovirus are on the rise just in time for the holiday season
Ten Awesome Authentic Realities That Will Leave You Interested
McDonald's is bringing two 'KPop Demon Hunters' meals to McDonald's. Here's what they include and when they launch.
Palestinian leader Abbas says elections only after Gaza war ends
From record warming to rusting rivers, 2025 Arctic Report Card shows a region transforming faster than expected
Step by step instructions to Prepare with Senior Protection for Inward feeling of harmony.
5 Cell phones of the Year
ACA subsidies latest: Making sense of what's happening with health care after Republicans revolt, forcing a vote on funding extension
The Force of Organic product: 10 Assortments That Improve Your Wellbeing
Why Cannes Is the Ultimate New Year’s Eve Destination in the South of France’s Off-Season













