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.
