Pedro Tellechea, from PDVSA’s savior to US spy

Pedro Rafael Tellechea, who had been presented before the eyes of the world as the great savior of the destroyed Petróleos de Venezuela, He became a “spy” for the United States intelligence services. According to Nicolás Maduro’s own government, the former official leaked information about the “brain” of the Venezuelan state oil company. Now he is behind bars and faces accusations of alleged crimes that would violate the interests of the country.

Born on November 5, 1975 in Caracas, he is an Army colonel and mechanical engineer who held senior positions in the Chavista regime. The rapid rise in the public administration of Tellechea, best known for being another military man at the head of the oil industry, began as president of Petroquimica de Venezuela.

This position opened the doors for him to be appointed Minister of Petroleum and president of Petróleos de Venezuela in March 2023.

Photo: Miraflores Press

Fell after Tareck el Aissami

Tellechea’s appointment as president of PDVSA occurred at a critical moment. His predecessor, Tareck el Aissami, had been dismissed and arrested for his involvement in a corruption plot who diverted billions of dollars from the company, in complicity with other senior officials.

Pedro Tellechea and Tareck el Aissami are classmates at the Liceo Militar Jáuregui, in the state of Táchira.

Brother of life and Promotion, 88-93 and 87-92, of the Jáuregui Military High School.

United we continue to demonstrate productive commitment to the Homeland; I will not disappoint the trust placed, count on my loyalty and affection🤜🏼🤛🏼 @TareckPSUV @NicolasMaduro@delcyrodriguezv pic.twitter.com/4C522SC6Lw

— Rafael Tellechea (@TellecheaRuiz) February 7, 2023

Maduro fully trusted Pedro Tellechea’s “ability” to restore stability and efficiency in the company.

During his management at PDVSA, the former official implemented reforms aimed at improving production and transparency, according to official information. It was highlighted that, under his leadership, internal audits and new controls established to avoid corruption.

Delcy Rodríguez replaced Pedro Tellechea as president of Petróleos de Venezuela and in the Ministry of Petroleum. Photo: PDVSA Press

In addition, Tellechea promoted the modernization of PDVSA’s infrastructure, including the implementation of automated command and control systems. All this under criticism for his lack of experience in the sector and his militarized approach to management.

Apparently, the former official had the appreciation of the workers of the Venezuelan state company. After he was removed from office, videos circulated on social media showing how he was fired amid applause and words of gratitude.

Brief passage through the Ministry of Industry and Production

But the arrest of Pedro Tellechea is missing pieces. Until now it has not been clear how the former president of PDVSA, who almost two months ago was recognized by Nicolás Maduro for “supporting” the oil industry, is accused of leaking sensitive information to the United States.

At the end of August, when he appointed him Minister of Industry and National Production, Maduro expressed: «Pequiven has already recovered, PDVSA has already shored up and we have to go to the recovery of the industrial park of various signs that is in the hands of the State. Let’s make associations. But here there cannot be a single industry without producing.

Photo: Juan Barreto / AFP

That was no guarantee. The early morning of Sunday, October 20, Agents from the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence arrested him on charges of handing over the PDVSA Command and Control System. to a company supposedly linked to the United States intelligence services.

This action was seen by the government as a betrayal of national sovereignty and a serious crime against the interests of the country.

The arrest generated a wave of reactions. On the one hand, the Venezuelan authorities argued that This was a necessary measure to protect the integrity and security of the country. On the other hand, it is believed that there is no transparency in the process against him and that there are only political motivations behind this.

Already in the past, the regime, without success, tried to link the opposition leader María Corina Machado with Tareck el Aissami.

«The corrupt and traitors, let’s go for them»

Hours after Pedro Tellechea’s arrest, although without mentioning it, Maduro spoke of corruption and betrayal.

During his weekly program, the socialist ruler said: “We are in a tireless battle, let no one get tired in the fight against bureaucratism, indolence, corruption and betrayal. They do not have a cowardly president, I will not give rest to my arm or rest to my soul in the fight against bureaucratism, indolence, the corrupt and the traitors. Let’s go for them, firmly, no matter who falls. Neither conspiracy nor corruption will be able; neither fascism nor treason. “They have not been able to and will not be able to.”