Iran is using Venezuelan banks to evade international sanctions and acquire materials needed for its nuclear program, according to a new investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney's office. Ties between Venezuela and Iran are strengthening as both countries share nuclear aspirations, Robert Morganthau said based on his office’s investigation. Speaking at a speech Wednesday, he noted that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez wants to build a "nuclear village" with Iran's help, said
He said the U.S. has placed no economic sanctions on Venezuela and is therefore not closely follow their banking system. "I have little faith that this is being effectively done, and the Iranians, aware of this vulnerability, appear to be taking advantage of it," Morganthau said.