German economist Friedrich Wilhelm Siegel filed a suit against Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez for alleged plagiarism of his "ideas, methodologies, structures and results" for use in the Venezuelan ruler's proposed 21st-century socialism.

The author of the plan called "State of Social Responsibility Latin American Nations with Shared Responsibility based on Technology (Elpas)" claimed that his rights to due process, and honor and physical, psychic and moral integrity were violated.

In his suit, Siegel -who years ago asked the Venezuelan Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ) to order the Central Bank of Venezuela (BCV) to stop issuance of paper money and implement use of electronic money- claims that since 1984 he has been submitting his proposals to different Venezuelan administrations. His idea focuses on using technology as a tool to fight corruption and financial wrongdoings. However, so far no Venezuelan authority has expressed interest or disinterest in his views.

He alleges, however, that President Chávez' Government actions such as electronic tax collection, social comptrollership and even the Bank of the South are some of the proposals Siegel has been making over the last years, while with a different name. Therefore, he is demanding acknowledgement of his authorship.

Siegel called for USD 100 million damages from President Chávez, and claimed he is willing to invest such monies in international institutions to implement his project.