Nadine Menendez, wife of former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, was convicted on Monday for accepting substantial bribes in exchange for her husband’s political favors benefiting Egypt and New Jersey businessmen.
Menendez, 58, was found guilty on all 15 charges she faced, including bribery, wire fraud, and conspiracy to act as an unregistered foreign agent. She had denied the charges and pleaded not guilty.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 12, 2025, in front of U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein in Manhattan.
Bob Menendez, a longtime Democrat from New Jersey, was sentenced in January to 11 years in prison for his involvement in the scheme. He was convicted in July 2024 of leveraging his Senate position to facilitate military aid to Egypt, assist Qatar, and intervene in local business prosecutions in exchange for bribes such as cash, gold, and a Mercedes-Benz. He resigned from the Senate following his conviction.
Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky stated after the verdict, “Nadine Menendez and Senator Menendez were partners in crime. Together, they prioritized their own greed over the interests of the citizens they were meant to serve.”
Nadine Menendez was initially scheduled to stand trial alongside her husband, but her case was delayed due to her need for treatment for breast cancer. Prosecutors argued that New Jersey businessman Wael Hana orchestrated meetings between the senator and Egyptian officials, who pressured Menendez to approve military aid. In return, Hana placed Nadine Menendez on his company’s payroll.
Hana was convicted and sentenced to over eight years in prison, while businessman Fred Daibes, another co-defendant, was sentenced to seven years.
Bob Menendez’s conviction marked the first time a U.S. senator had been found guilty of acting as a foreign agent.