The United States' Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) has uncovered new details of an international money laundering scheme connected to the children of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. Initiated in 2019 by the Miami field office, the investigation reveals that close allies of the chavista regime opened bank accounts within the U.S. to move illicit funds, defying existing sanctions against the Venezuelan government.
Years of Illicit Operations
Documents from the FBI, accessed by Fox News Digital, indicate that businessman Arick Komarczyk orchestrated the management of transfers and accounts in the names of Maduro's children and their associates. Suspicious activity reports highlighted that Komarczyk received funds from Venezuela to introduce them into the American financial system. In 2022, an undercover operation exposed Komarczyk and his partner, Irazmar Carbajal, agreeing to transfer $100,000 allegedly sourced from chavista officials. Of this amount, $25,000 successfully entered the United States.
Investigators were particularly struck by Komarczyk's reaction to the operation; rather than being alarmed, he referred to the maneuver as a "sexy matter," reflecting the casual approach of chavista operatives towards such illegal activities.
Charges and Arrests
On September 25, a federal court in Florida formally charged Komarczyk with money laundering and conspiracy to conduct unlicensed money transfers, while Carbajal faced charges for conspiracy to conduct unauthorized transactions. Carbajal, originally from Uruguay, recently traveled to the Dominican Republic but was deported on October 2. During a layover in the U.S., the FBI took him into custody. In contrast, Komarczyk remains in Venezuela.
FBI Sends a Strong Message
FBI's head of communications, Erica Knight, posted on social media platform X on Saturday, stating, "There’s a $50 million bounty on Maduro’s head, who remains hidden in Venezuela with his main enablers." She described him as a "cartel thug masquerading as a dictator," emphasizing that his days of laundering money in America are over.
Additionally, FBI Director Kash Patel stressed that the chavista regime maintains power through these "criminal lifelines." "Maduro is not just corrupt; he’s a narco-terrorist dictator," Patel declared on X. "The FBI is blocking every dollar, every account, and every enabler. The U.S. will never be a safe haven for his blood-stained money," he asserted.
Links to the Cartel of the Suns
This case adds to the extensive sanctions against chavista officials and structures. In July, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the Treasury Department officially listed the Cartel of the Suns—allegedly led by Maduro, Diosdado Cabello, and Vladimir Padrino López—as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist Organization. According to Washington, this cartel is linked to the Tren de Aragua in Venezuela and the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico, both considered foreign terrorist organizations by the U.S.
The crimes attributed to them include drug trafficking, human trafficking, sexual exploitation of minors, extortion, and money laundering.
Rewards and Background
The DEA and the Justice Department have set rewards ranging from $15 million to $25 million for information leading to the arrest of Maduro and Cabello. Concurrently, in 2020, federal authorities in Miami seized $450 million connected to Venezuelan corruption cases, including over $280 million belonging to Alejandro Andrade, a former chavista regime treasurer.
A Firm Warning
Brett Skiles, an FBI special agent in Miami, warned that Maduro’s regime's attempts to move money in the U.S. "will not go unchecked." He highlighted that the charges against Komarczyk and Carbajal demonstrate the Bureau's commitment to pursuing international money laundering, particularly when it involves sanctioned governments.
Meanwhile, Washington maintains that it will not recognize Maduro as a legitimate leader and will continue collaborating with regional allies to shut down the financial channels supporting his regime.
Frequently Asked Questions on Venezuelan Money Laundering Case
What did the FBI uncover in the money laundering scheme?
The FBI revealed details of an international money laundering scheme involving Nicolás Maduro's children, where illicit Venezuelan funds were moved through U.S. bank accounts.
Who is Arick Komarczyk, and what is his role in this case?
Arick Komarczyk is a businessman accused of managing transfers and accounts for Maduro's children, facilitating the movement of illicit funds to the U.S. financial system.
What actions has the U.S. taken against the Cartel of the Suns?
The U.S. Treasury's OFAC has designated the Cartel of the Suns as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist Organization, linking it to various criminal activities and other international cartels.