CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela's top prosecutor on Monday announced the arrest of a former oil minister and accused him of working with the U.S. government to undermine the industry that drives the country's economy.

Venezuela detained former Oil Minister Pedro Tellechea over the weekend as part of an internal purge at the state oil company after President Nicolás Maduro’s disputed reelection.

Venezuela on Monday announced the arrest of a former oil minister accused of links to a firm controlled by US intelligence services -- the latest scandal to shake the crisis-hit

CARACAS (Reuters) -Venezuelan authorities have arrested former industry and oil minister Pedro Tellechea, Attorney General Tarek Saab said on Monday, the latest high-profile detention connected to management of Venezuela's sanctioned oil industry.

Venezuela arrestó al exministro de Petróleo Pedro Tellechea durante el fin de semana como parte de una purga interna en la compañía petrolera estatal tras la disputada reelección del presidente Nicolás Maduro.

CARACAS (Reuters) -Venezuelan authorities have arrested former industry and oil minister Pedro Tellechea, attorney general Tarek Saab said on Monday, citing the alleged commission of "grave crimes against the highest interests of the nation.

Venezuela on Monday announced the arrest of a former oil minister accused of links to a firm controlled by US intelligence services.