In opening arguments, prosecutors said that Sheng Thao “put her power up for sale.” One lawyer for the defendants called the bribery scheme “pure fiction.”

© Santiago Mejia/San Francisco Chronicle, via Associated Press

Álvaro Pulido Vargas faces federal charges in Florida related to what prosecutors described as money laundering and bribery schemes. It is not clear when or where he was arrested.

© Oliver Contreras/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

The Nigerian secured office space in a federal building, opened bank accounts and even held meetings with foreign diplomats. He says he is innocent.

© Marvellous Durowaiye/Reuters