Caracas: Venezuela’s office of financial accountability says it has opened an investigation into opposition leader Juan Guaido’s income.
The agency’s chief, Elvis Amoroso, said Monday that Guaido, who has been recognized as Venezuela's interim president by around 50 countries, “allegedly ... received money from international and national bodies without any justification.”
Amoroso, an official close to the regime of President Nicolas Maduro, whom Guaido is trying to dislodge, said the parliament speaker is suspected of having “hidden or falsified data in his declaration of assets.”
If found guilty by the state Comptroller, Guaido could face either a fine or be disqualified from public office.
A lawyer said the public prosecutor could also open a criminal case against Guaido if it's decided that any of the accusations against him constitute a crime. The news came as Guaido steps up his challenge to Maduro’s authority with their power struggle playing out over the issue of humanitarian aid.
Maduro has overseen an economic meltdown in Venezuela, where millions are suffering from a lack of basic necessities and failing public services.
