US Prosecutors Accuse Smartmatic in $1 Million Bribery Case Linked to the Philippines
Federal prosecutors in Miami have indicted voting technology firm Smartmatic in a bribery scheme involving over $1 million. The allegations suggest payments were made to Philippine election officials between 2015 and 2018. The aim was to secure a contract for the 2016 presidential election in the Philippines and ensure timely payments.
Key Figures and Events
The recent indictment accuses Smartmatic executives, including co-founder Roger Pinate, of unlawful activities. These charges follow earlier indictments from 2024, although the company was not originally named as a defendant then. Pinate, who is no longer employed by Smartmatic but is still a shareholder, has pleaded not guilty.
Bribery and Financial Misconduct Allegations
Prosecutors allege that money from a $300 million contract with Los Angeles County was funneled into a “slush fund” controlled by Pinate. This fund reportedly involved overseas shell companies and fake invoices. They also claim Pinate bribed Venezuela’s former election chief, gifting a luxury home in Caracas to mend ties after Smartmatic’s exit from Venezuela in 2017.
Smartmatic’s Reputation and Legal Battle
Smartmatic is also embroiled in a $2.7 billion defamation lawsuit against Fox News. The lawsuit accuses the network of airing false claims that the company manipulated the 2020 U.S. presidential election. While Fox argues it was reporting newsworthy events, it eventually refuted these allegations after pressure from Smartmatic.
Company Reactions
Smartmatic has denied all charges, alleging the Miami U.S. Attorney’s Office has been misled by unidentified interests. The company insists the case is politically motivated and unjust. Smartmatic vows to defend its integrity and principles.
Future Legal Proceedings
A hearing regarding the Los Angeles and Venezuela allegations is pending. The new indictment, led by U.S. Attorney Jason Reding Quinones, omits these accusations. Meanwhile, Smartmatic’s lawsuit against Fox News continues in New York.
Company Background
Smartmatic was founded over two decades ago by Venezuelans during Hugo Chavez’s presidency. The company expanded globally, offering election technology in 25 countries, from Argentina to Zambia. However, it claims its business declined after false reports linked it to election fraud in the U.S.
