Chavez opponent facing charges regarding car business

Venezuelan prosecutors have charged the head of an anti-government television station with usury, ending a weeks-long investigation into his business activities that he called politically motivated.

Globovision president Guillermo Zuloaga was charged with usury after a police raid uncovered 24 Toyota vehicles outside his Caracas office last month, prompting an investigation into two car dealerships he owns, prosecutors said in a statement.

Trade Minister Eduardo Saman accused Mr Zuloaga of keeping the cars off the market while waiting for their price to rise – involving a possible violation of foreign exchange rules that give importers access to dollars only if they aren’t used to gain a “disproportionate advantage” over rivals.

It was not clear if Mr Zuloaga received dollars that way from the government, but importers who violate those terms can be prosecuted under Venezuelan usury law.

Mr Zuloaga (aged 67) dismissed the investigation as political intimidation, saying he has no reason to leave the country or be afraid. He said he’d stored the vehicles outside his office for safekeeping because one of his dealerships had been robbed.

“This is something to try to somehow frighten Globovision, shut up Globovision,” he told reporters. “The government knows very well that shutting or closing down news media is no way to hide the reality of what is happening in Venezuela.”

If convicted, Mr Zuloaga could face up to three years in prison.

Venezuelan officials have been investigating Globovision and its president on various charges since last month.

President Hugo Chavez denies the inquiry into Mr Zuloaga is linked to Globovision. But he last week urged the nation’s attorney general, Supreme Court and telecommunications chief to take action against “poisonous” private media or resign.