Dissenting socialists urge Venezuela to investigate corruption

Dissenting and former members of Venezuela's ruling Socialist Party on Wednesday requested the government investigate alleged multi-billion dollar frauds they say have flourished under the South American OPEC country's strict currency controls. Marea Socialista, a small group of leftist intellectuals, as well as fringe members of the Socialist Party, say corrupt companies and complicit officials are gaming a currency system designed to control imports ranging from foods to medicines. Under the complex controls set up in 2003 by the late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez, companies and individuals apply for access to dollars at preferential exchange rates. More…