The doubled reward, now $50 million, highlights accusations against Maduro, including drug trafficking and corruption linked to international criminal organizations.
US Increases Reward to $50M for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's Capture
US Increases Reward to $50M for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's Capture
The US government has raised the reward for information leading to Nicolás Maduro's arrest, escalating tensions between the nations.
The US has significantly heightened its pursuit of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by doubling the reward for information leading to his arrest to an unprecedented $50 million (£37.2 million). Accusations from US President Donald Trump claim that Maduro is "one of the largest narco-traffickers in the world," a charge that has intensified tensions in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the increase in the reward, previously set at $25 million (£18.6 million), and alleged that Maduro is deeply involved in drug smuggling operations, citing links to Colombian criminal organizations. Following a controversial election in January, Maduro, who has previously faced international condemnation for alleged vote-rigging, has held onto power despite mounting opposition.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil responded sharply, calling the newly announced reward "pathetic" and characterized it as an attempt at "political propaganda." He accused the US government of using these tactics to divert attention from pressing issues, including the fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein case, which has recently drawn scrutiny.
Historically, the accusations against Maduro are not new. During Trump's presidency, the Venezuelan leader and several high-ranking officials were indicted on charges encompassing narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. The US Justice Department previously alleged that Maduro collaborated with the Colombian guerrilla faction known as Farc to inundate the United States with cocaine.
Bondi further alleged that Maduro coordinated with notorious criminal entities, including the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and Mexico's famed Sinaloa Cartel, claiming that the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has confiscated substantial amounts of cocaine tied to Venezuelan officials.
Despite US claims, Maduro has consistently denied any involvement in drug trafficking activities. However, the increasing pressure on his regime is evident as Hugo Carvajal, a former top military intelligence officer in Venezuela, was recently convicted on drug-related charges. Carvajal’s plea change, from not guilty to guilty, suggests possible cooperation with US authorities to secure a reduced sentence, further implicating Maduro.
As Venezuela continues to grapple with internal dissent and violent suppression of opposition, the US, alongside allies like the UK and EU, has imposed sanctions on Maduro’s government. The international scrutiny of his leadership persists as the situation in Venezuela remains precarious, with Maduro clinging to power amid both external and internal challenges.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the increase in the reward, previously set at $25 million (£18.6 million), and alleged that Maduro is deeply involved in drug smuggling operations, citing links to Colombian criminal organizations. Following a controversial election in January, Maduro, who has previously faced international condemnation for alleged vote-rigging, has held onto power despite mounting opposition.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil responded sharply, calling the newly announced reward "pathetic" and characterized it as an attempt at "political propaganda." He accused the US government of using these tactics to divert attention from pressing issues, including the fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein case, which has recently drawn scrutiny.
Historically, the accusations against Maduro are not new. During Trump's presidency, the Venezuelan leader and several high-ranking officials were indicted on charges encompassing narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. The US Justice Department previously alleged that Maduro collaborated with the Colombian guerrilla faction known as Farc to inundate the United States with cocaine.
Bondi further alleged that Maduro coordinated with notorious criminal entities, including the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and Mexico's famed Sinaloa Cartel, claiming that the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has confiscated substantial amounts of cocaine tied to Venezuelan officials.
Despite US claims, Maduro has consistently denied any involvement in drug trafficking activities. However, the increasing pressure on his regime is evident as Hugo Carvajal, a former top military intelligence officer in Venezuela, was recently convicted on drug-related charges. Carvajal’s plea change, from not guilty to guilty, suggests possible cooperation with US authorities to secure a reduced sentence, further implicating Maduro.
As Venezuela continues to grapple with internal dissent and violent suppression of opposition, the US, alongside allies like the UK and EU, has imposed sanctions on Maduro’s government. The international scrutiny of his leadership persists as the situation in Venezuela remains precarious, with Maduro clinging to power amid both external and internal challenges.
