Former Florida Congressman David Rivera Sentenced to 10 Years for Venezuela Lobbying Scheme

David Rivera sentenced to 10 years for secret $50M Venezuela lobbying campaign during Trump era. Federal officials call it betrayal of South Florida community.

Editorial Desk

October 2, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Miami, United States — A former U.S. congressman from Florida has been handed a 10-year prison sentence for his involvement in a covert $50 million lobbying operation on behalf of the Venezuelan government during the first term of President Donald Trump.

David Rivera, who previously represented Florida in Congress and was a close associate of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, was found guilty in May after a seven-week trial. He was sentenced in federal court in Downtown Miami, where he had remained in custody without bond since the jury’s verdict.

📄 POLICY WIRE WHITEPAPER PUBLISHED: PAKISTAN’S NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY PRIORITIES

👉 READ BY CLICKING HERE

The sentencing came after prosecutors alleged that Rivera and a political consultant, Esther Nuhfer, secretly worked for the Maduro regime from 2017 to 2018 through a contract with Rivera’s company. The case centered around failing to register as a foreign agent and conspiring to launder money, with evidence including encrypted communications and coded language used to discuss their activities.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

Author

Editorial Desk

Policy Wire is your go-to editorial hub for insightful perspectives and informed analysis on pressing policy issues, both regionally and globally. Over the years, Policy Wire has collaborated with leading international news agencies—including AFP, AP, Reuters, and others—to provide fact-based reporting and nuanced commentary. With a commitment to clarity and credibility, we aim to bridge the gap between complex policy debates and public understanding, ensuring that our readers stay informed on the issues shaping the world today.