British watchdog: Boris Johnson violates government rules

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson once again violated government rules with his trip to Venezuela and meeting with President Nicolas Maduro, a British government watchdog said.

The Business Appointments Advisory Committee (ACOBA) said Johnson was "found guilty of violating government rules in relation to the meeting with Maduro, and his relationship with the hedge fund that organized the meeting and visit."

The chairman of the Business Appointments Advisory Committee (ACOPA), Lord Eric Beckles, wrote to both Johnson and Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden warning them of the breach.

The head of the committee explained: “The violation relates to his trip to Venezuela and his meeting with the country’s president, Nicolas Maduro. He previously made a secret visit to Venezuela last February, where he held talks with President Nicolas Maduro, and the Ukrainian crisis was discussed.”

The committee confirmed in a statement: “Acoba takes compliance seriously, investigates any violations and reports them to the government. Johnson’s failure to cooperate with the committee is sufficient reason to report his behavior to you as a violation of government rules.”

The head of the committee stated that “according to the rules, former ministers should not hold new positions until they receive a recommendation from the committee,” noting that, according to media reports, “Johnson’s meeting with Maduro was accompanied by one of the founders of the hedge fund Merlin Advisors.”

He also added: "Johnson was cautious in his communications with the committee regarding this issue, avoiding answering specific questions and refusing to speak publicly about his relationship with the Merlin Advisors Fund." He explained that “the decision on penalties for such a violation lies with the government,” but acknowledged that the authorities could only take this information into account.