The American senator Bob Menendez is resigning on August 20 after being convicted of taking bribes and acting as an "agent" for Egypt. The Senate has received a copy of Menendez's resignation letter, according to Vermont senator Peter Welch.
In connection with the bribery case, a search was conducted at Menendez and his wife's home. There, gold bars worth approximately 1.1 million kronor and cash exceeding five million were found.
His resignation opens up the opportunity for the Democrats to appoint someone to take over his seat in the Senate for the remainder of the term, which ends on January 3.
Menendez risks a several decade-long prison sentence when it is announced at the end of October.
