Two U.S. senators have requested an investigation into Brazil’s JBS S.A., the world’s largest meatpacking company, over alleged ties with the Venezuelan government.
U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) sent a letter to Secretary of Treasury Steven Mnuchin expressing concerns over the company’s transactions, which include purchasing several American meat companies in the past few years.
“Given its admitted criminal conduct to secure loans that were used for investment in the United States and the group’s business relationships with Venezuela’s Maduro regime, as well as its growing reliance on financing from entities aligned with the Chinese government,” the letter read, “we ask that [Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S.] conduct a review of JBS S.A.’s acquisition of U.S. companies.”
In a statement to media, the company said, “JBS S.A. is aware of the letter sent to Secretary Mnuchin.
The company has fully cooperated with all relevant authorities in a transparent manner regarding past events in Brazil. The company will continue to cooperate and respond to any subsequent inquiries.”
