The U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of State announced on Thursday an unprecedented increase in the reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. The reward has been elevated from $25 million to a staggering $50 million, marking a significant escalation in international pressure against the Venezuelan regime.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi made the announcement via the platform X, emphasizing that the U.S. government remains steadfast in its efforts to bring Maduro to justice. He is accused of orchestrating a narco-terrorism conspiracy and massive cocaine trafficking that has claimed thousands of American lives.
Maduro's Ties to the Cartel of the Suns and Terrorist Organizations
Bondi highlighted Maduro's role as a leader within the Cartel of the Suns, a group made up of high-ranking Venezuelan officials. This cartel collaborates with organizations such as the FARC, which the U.S. has labeled a foreign terrorist organization.
According to a federal indictment from the Southern District of New York in March 2020, Maduro and his associates have been systematically dispatching tons of cocaine to the United States. They utilize state infrastructure and partnerships with transnational organized crime networks.
"Maduro and his associates employ foreign terrorist organizations like Tren de Aragua, the Sinaloa Cartel, and the Cartel of the Suns to flood our nation with drugs and violence," Bondi stated. She further noted that the DEA has seized over 30 tons of cocaine linked to the Venezuelan regime, with nearly seven tons directly associated with Maduro. Additionally, the Department of Justice has confiscated assets worth over $700 million, including private jets and luxury vehicles.
Condemnation of the "Illegitimate" 2024 Re-election
This enhanced reward also reflects the response to Maduro's recent self-inauguration as Venezuela's president following the July 28, 2024, elections, which Washington has denounced as fraudulent.
The United States and several Western Hemisphere governments have recognized opposition candidate Edmundo González as the elected president, aligning with widespread allegations of electoral fraud and political repression in Venezuela.
"Under current leadership, Nicolás Maduro will not evade justice. He will be held accountable for his heinous crimes," Bondi concluded.
Questions About U.S. Actions Against Nicolás Maduro
What is the new reward amount for information on Nicolás Maduro?
The U.S. has increased the reward to $50 million for information leading to Nicolás Maduro's arrest or conviction.
Why has the U.S. increased the reward for Nicolás Maduro?
The U.S. aims to intensify pressure on the Venezuelan regime and bring Maduro to justice for his involvement in narco-terrorism and cocaine trafficking.
Who is recognized as the legitimate president of Venezuela by the U.S.?
The United States recognizes Edmundo González as the legitimate president, following claims of electoral fraud in Venezuela.