The United States has imposed sanctions on individuals connected to Nicolás Maduro and his wife, escalating pressure on the Venezuelan president. The U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions on seven individuals linked to Maduro and his wife, accusing them of supporting Maduro’s alleged illicit activities. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that they will not tolerate Venezuela’s drug trafficking into the U.S. and highlighted the threat posed by Maduro and his associates to regional peace and stability.
Venezuela’s Information Ministry did not provide an immediate response to the sanctions. Maduro and his administration have consistently denied any involvement in criminal activities, asserting that the U.S. aims to remove him from power to gain control over Venezuela’s oil wealth.
In recent months, the Trump administration has intensified its pressure on Maduro, notably through a significant military buildup in the southern Caribbean. This has included operations against suspected drug vessels, the seizure of a sanctioned oil tanker near Venezuela, and the declaration of a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. President Trump has also indicated the possibility of future land strikes in Venezuela.
The recent sanctions targeted relatives of Carlos Erik Malpica Flores, a nephew of Maduro’s wife, who was allegedly implicated in corrupt activities at the state oil company PDVSA. Sanctions were imposed on his mother, father, sister, wife, and daughter, all close relatives of Maduro’s wife, for their alleged involvement in the corruption scheme.
