U.S. Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas and his wife have been charged with accepting nearly $600,000 in bribes from two foreign entities - an oil and gas company wholly owned and controlled by the government of Azerbaijan, and a bank headquartered in Mexico City.

U.S. media outlets report that according to an indictment filed with a Texas federal court, Cuellar “agreed to perform official acts in his capacity as a Member of Congress, to commit acts in violation of his official duties, and to act as an agent of the Government of Azerbaijan.”

Prosecutors claim Cuellar agreed to influence U.S. policy via a “series of legislative measures relating to Azerbaijan’s conflict with neighboring Armenia,” by giving a pro-Azerbaijani speech on the House floor, inserting language “favored by Azerbaijan” into legislation and committee reports, and advocating for “series of legislative measures relating to Azerbaijan’s conflict with neighboring Armenia.”

Cuellar also allegedly promised to influence financial regulations in a way that would benefit the Mexican bank and its affiliates.

The congressman and his wife have been released on a $100,000 bond.

The two have denied the charges.

Photo: Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas speaks during the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security hearing on April 10, 2024. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc./Getty Images