A former top U.S. agricultural official testified in the bribery trial of Senator Bob Menendez, shedding light on an unusual sudden monopoly that emerged over the certification of meat exported to Egypt five years ago. The official recounted a phone call he received from Menendez in 2019 regarding a New Jersey businessman who was granted the sole right to certify meat exported to Egypt, sparking concerns of bribery.
The businessman, along with Menendez and another individual, allegedly bribed the senator and his wife with gold bars and cash in return for favorable actions. The rapid monopoly granted to the businessman's company raised suspicions as it displaced several other companies that had been certifying meat for export to Egypt.
The former official described the U.S. government's efforts to challenge the monopoly, which was met with silence from Egyptian authorities. Menendez reportedly instructed the official to stop interfering with his constituent, indicating a serious tone during their conversation.
Despite Menendez's influence as the top Democrat on the Senate's Foreign Relations Committee, the official continued to investigate the sudden policy change in Egypt. However, upon learning of an FBI investigation into the matter, he advised his colleagues to stand down.
The trial saw a lengthy cross-examination of the official, with Menendez emphasizing Egypt's right to choose certification companies and the alleged improper practices of the previous certifiers. As Menendez left the courthouse, he urged reporters to pay attention to the upcoming cross-examination for the truth to be revealed.
