Venezuelan oil tycoon Ruperti released from detention, law firm says

CARACAS, April 2 (Reuters) - Venezuelan oil businessman Wilmer Ruperti was released from detention by the country's intelligence police, a law firm representing him said on Thursday, following a video posted on social media showing him in his house.

Ruperti was called for a meeting on March 19 and held by authorities. His security detail was detained and released shortly after, but Ruperti had remained in custody.

"He was released from detention at the Sebin (police), but we do not have any explanation or charges from the Government explaining the reason for the detention," law firm Winston & Strawn told Reuters in an email. "We consider his detention inappropriate and remain concerned for his health and safety."

Venezuela's information ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Maroil Trading, a company owned by Ruperti, had been a key exporter of Venezuelan petroleum coke under a contract with state-owned energy company PDVSA, though the deal later became embroiled in a dispute over payments and contract terms.

In 2023, PDVSA suspended deliveries to Maroil amid an audit of receivables and pending debt.