Explosive Bribery Scandal: Senator Menendez's Shocking Indictment Unveils Seized Gold Bars and $500,000!

New Jersey's Democratic Senator, Bob Menendez, faces corruption-related charges for the second time in a decade. The recently revealed federal indictment accuses Menendez and his wife, Nadine Arslanian Menendez, of allegedly accepting substantial bribes, amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars, in exchange for the senator's influence.

Prosecutors claim that the bribes involved gold, cash, mortgage payments for a residence, remuneration for a job that required little to no work, and a luxurious car.

This marks the second instance in ten years where the Justice Department has charged Menendez with corruption. Previously, he successfully defended himself against accusations of conspiracy, bribery, and fraud related to alleged personal benefits.

Menendez is facing re-election next year. He has held a seat in the Senate since 2006.

Due to the regulations set by the Senate Democratic Caucus, Menendez will be required to relinquish his position as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee. Nevertheless, he will still have the opportunity to remain a member of the committee.

Menendez slammed the indictment in a statement.

In approximately June 2022, federal agents executed search warrants on the residence and safe deposit box belonging to ROBERT MENENDEZ and NADINE MENENDEZ, also known as "Nadine Arslanian." These searches, authorized by the court, yielded various items that were a result of the corrupt bribery agreement between MENENDEZ and NADINE MENENDEZ, and defendants WAEL HANA, also known as "Will Hana," JOSE URIBE, and FRED DAIBES. Among the discoveries were cash, gold, a luxury vehicle, and home furnishings. Inside the residence, over $480,000 in cash, much of it hidden in envelopes and clothing items within closets and a safe, was found. In addition, NADINE MENENDEZ's safe deposit box contained over $70,000. Certain envelopes contained fingerprints and/or DNA belonging to DAIBES or his driver. Others were discovered inside jackets bearing MENENDEZ's name, which were hanging in his closet, as shown in the accompanying depiction.

Over the years, there have been persistent efforts from unidentified individuals to silence me and ruin my political career. Ever since this investigation was disclosed almost a year ago, there has been a deliberate campaign to tarnish my reputation through anonymous sources and insinuations, aiming to create a false perception of wrongdoing.

Clearly, the actions of these prosecutors have crossed boundaries. They have distorted the regular practices of a Congressional office. Furthermore, not satisfied with falsely accusing me, they have also targeted my wife and her longstanding friendships that predate our relationship.

Accusations of corruption

Menendez additionally established a legal defense fund and, commencing in April, his spouse liquidated gold bars amounting to a maximum of $400,000, as indicated by the latest financial disclosure form from the senator.

Menendez is facing charges for three alleged crimes, one of which involves being involved in a bribery conspiracy. Alongside Menendez, his wife Nadine and three individuals referred to as Wael Hana, Jose Uribe, and Fred Daibes, all described as associates and businessmen from New Jersey, are also facing conspiracy charges. The court appearance for Menendez and the other defendants is scheduled for Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. ET.

The group stands accused of collaborating to exploit Menendez's position as a US senator for their personal gain as well as for the benefit of Egypt.

According to the charges presented, prosecutors claim that Menendez attempted to influence the President's selection of the chief federal prosecutor in New Jersey to advantage one of the business associates. Additionally, he allegedly exerted pressure on the Department of Agriculture to safeguard a business monopoly held by another associate originating from Egypt.

In 2019, the Department of Agriculture contacted Egypt to express their objection to the granting of monopoly rights for supplying halal meat to the US to Menendez's contact, Hana.

However, in May 2019, Hana, along with an Egyptian intelligence official and others, met with Menendez in his office to seek assistance in defending against the opposition from the US agency. Later that evening, the group went to a steakhouse in Washington, DC, for dinner, as stated in the indictment.

Two days later, Menendez allegedly called an Agriculture Department official, asking them to stop opposing Hanas venture.

Sen. Bob Menendez, his wife Nadine and Jose Uribe pictured in the indictment released Friday.

US District Court Southern District of New York

"When Official-1 tried to articulate the reasons for the harm caused by the monopoly to the interests of the United States, MENENDEZ restated his demand, essentially requiring the USDA to cease its intervention in IS EG Halal's monopoly. Official-1 did not comply with MENENDEZ's demand, yet IS EG Halal managed to maintain its monopoly," the indictment stated.

Searches turned up $500,000 in cash and more

In 2022, federal agents conducted searches of Menendez's residence and safe deposit box, as stated in the indictment. The searches revealed approximately $500,000 in cash, found inside jackets with Menendez's name on them, some of which were stored in envelopes. Prosecutors have noted that certain envelopes contained fingerprints or DNA belonging to one of the business contacts accused of giving bribes to the senator.

The investigators from the federal authority, who conducted a search at Menendez's residence, came across a "high-end automobile funded by [Jose] Uribe, which was parked in the garage." Additionally, they discovered household items obtained from other business associates and even uncovered gold bars.

Acquitted in previous trial

In 2015, federal prosecutors from the US attorney's office in New Jersey charged Menendez with conspiracy, bribery, and honest services fraud. The charges were based on allegations of him abusing his office by accepting over $600,000 in political contributions, a lavish hotel suite at the Park Hyatt in Paris, and complimentary trips on a private jet from the wealthy ophthalmologist, Dr. Salomon Melgen. These favors were reportedly exchanged for political benefits.

Gold bar seized from the Menendez home, according to the indictment

The corruption trial of Menendez ended in a mistrial in November 2017 when the jury reported being deadlocked. Both individuals vehemently denied all allegations. Subsequently, in 2018, a federal judge acquitted them of numerous charges while the Justice Department decided to drop the remaining charges against Menendez.

Melgen, who had been found guilty of numerous health care fraud charges and initially sentenced to 17 years, had his sentence commuted by former President Donald Trump in 2021. When news of his mistrial broke in 2017, the defiant Menendez delivered a cautionary message during a press conference.

"To those individuals who were fervently anticipating my downfall in order to replace me, rest assured that I am fully aware of your identities, and I shall not overlook your actions," he declared, alluding to the incident.

This story has been supplemented with further advancements.

CNNs Holmes Lybrand, Hannah Rabinowitz and Manu Raju contributed to this report.