Breaking: Federal prosecutors have charged Smartmatic with Money-laundering and other crimes
By Easton Martin | October 16, 2025
Federal prosecutors in Miami have charged Smartmatic, a voting technology firm, with money laundering and other crimes related to over $1 million in bribes allegedly paid to election officials in the Philippines between 2015 and 2018. The payments were reportedly made to secure a government contract for the 2016 Philippine presidential election and to facilitate timely payment for services.
The charges follow earlier indictments in 2024 against three former executives, including co-founder Roger Piñate, who has pleaded not guilty. Smartmatic denies the allegations and asserts that the charges are politically motivated.
The indictment also alleges that revenue from a $300 million contract with Los Angeles County was funneled into a slush fund controlled by Piñate. Additionally, prosecutors accuse Piñate of bribing Venezuela’s former election chief with a luxury property. These additional accusations are expected to be discussed in a forthcoming hearing.
Smartmatic was founded in Venezuela during Hugo Chávez’s presidency and has operated election systems in over 25 countries. The company maintains that it operates ethically and has denied all bribery claims. It defends its actions, noting its exit from Venezuela after denouncing election fraud.
The charges brought against Smartmatic come in light of a Minnesota Judge ruling against Mike Lindell in his proceedings with Smartmatic. Smartmatic claims that Mr. Lindell defamed the company with “false statements” that their voting machines played a role in rigging the 2020 election. The court has given Lindell only until October 27th to appeal this wrongful decision.
To join the fight in election integrity, visit https://www.mikelindelllegaldefensefund.com/
To view the indictment, click the file above.
