In a revelation that has rocked Capitol Hill, Texas congressman Henry Cuellar and his wife, Imelda Cuellar, stand accused of deep corruption and influence peddling at the highest levels. Charges against the pair, including bribery, illegal foreign influence, and money laundering, were unsealed in the Southern District of Texas, according to a Department of Justice release.

Allegations detail a nefarious operation, originating as far back as 2014 and running through to 2021, where the Cuellars reportedly pocketed around $600,000 from entities with roots in Azerbaijan and Mexico. While accepting bribes that were cunningly funneled through front companies, Cuellar purportedly promised to pull the strings of U.S. foreign policy to benefit Azerbaijan's oil and gas interests. His wife, operating shell companies, is claimed to have banked sizable sums for minimal work.

The congressman, age 68, and his 67-year-old wife made their first court appearance before Judge Dena Palermo in Houston. The Department of Justice drop this bombshell, with the FBI and Department of State Office of Inspector General investigating the Cuellars. The gravity of their alleged actions could land them in prison for decades, carrying charges that include conspiracy, bribery, and money laundering, with maximum penalties up to 20 years for some counts.

Leading the legal charge against the Cuellars are Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen, and a team of specialized trial attorneys. The cast of legal minds tasked to prosecute the case reflects the severity of their purported crimes.