Ambassador Reich has repeatedly spoken out against the corruption that flourished in Venezuela under the regime of Hugo Chavez, which continues to exist today. 2.
Since his retirement from government service in 2004, Ambassador Reich has
continued to publicly condemn corruption in Venezuela, and assist those who believe, like he does, in democracy, transparent government, and open markets. Ambassador Reich has written numerous articles, delivered speeches, and offered congressional testimony throughout the United States on the problems facing many Latin American countries. Through his company Otto Reich Associates, LLC ("ORA"), Ambassador Reich has also consulted with a number of pro-democracy and anti-corruption organizations and individuals throughout the United States, assisting them in their public relations and business efforts here and abroad. Many of those individuals and organizations are based in the United States and are vocal opponents of the current regime in Venezuela. 3.
Defendants are U.S. residents who have amassed enormous fortunes through
all
illicit scheme to secure energy-industry contracts in Venezuela for their U.S.-based companies, Derwick Associates USA LLC and Derwick Associates Corporation ("Derwick Associates"). Known in the press as the "ChavezKids," "Bolilsoys," and "the mafiosi of the Fifth Republic," Defendants Leopoldo Alejandro Betancourt Lopez ("Betancourt"), Pedro Jose Trebbau Lopez ("Trebbau"), and Francisco D' Agostino Casado ("D' Agostino) have profited wildly from the corrupt and anti-democratic Chavez regime. 4.
Derwick Associates' "business model" is simple. From the United States,
Defendants offer multi-million dollar kickbacks to public officials in Venezuela in exchange for the award of energy-sector construction contracts. Once the contracts are secured for Derwick Associates (and the money ultimately transferred into bank accounts in New York), Defendants
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