The Department of Justice and the Department of State of the United States announced this Thursday a historic increase in the reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of the dictator Nicolás Maduro, raising it from 25 million to 50 million dollars, in a new escalation of international pressure against the Venezuelan regime.
Through the X platform, the announcement was made by Attorney General Pam Bondi, who stated that the United States government will not relent in its efforts to bring Maduro to justice, accused of being the axis of a narco-terrorism conspiracy and massive cocaine trafficking that has claimed thousands of American lives.
Maduro linked to the Cartel of the Suns and terrorist organizations
District Attorney Bondi emphasized that Maduro has used his position of power to act as leader of the Cartel of the Suns, an organization made up of high-ranking Venezuelan officials that operates in alliance with groups like the FARC, designated by the U.S. as a foreign terrorist organization.
According to the federal indictment from the Southern District of New York in March 2020, Maduro and his associates are implicated in the systematic shipment of tons of cocaine to the United States, utilizing state infrastructure and alliances with transnational organized crime.
"Maduro and his allies use foreign terrorist organizations such as Tren de Aragua, the Sinaloa Cartel, and the Cartel de los Soles itself to flood our country with drugs and violence," Bondi stated.
The prosecutor added that to date, the DEA has confiscated over 30 tons of cocaine related to the Venezuelan regime, of which nearly seven tons are directly linked to Maduro. Furthermore, the Department of Justice has seized more than 700 million dollars in assets, including private jets and luxury vehicles.
Rejection of the "illegitimate" reelection of 2024
The new reward -the previous one was from last January- also responds to Nicolás Maduro's recent self-appointment as president of Venezuela following the elections of July 28, 2024, an electoral process that Washington deems fraudulent.
The U.S. and several governments in the western hemisphere have recognized the opposition candidate Edmundo González as the elected president, in line with widespread fraud allegations and political repression in Venezuela.
"Under the current leadership, Nicolás Maduro will not escape justice. He will be held accountable for his atrocious crimes," Bondi concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Reward for the Capture of Nicolás Maduro
Why has the United States increased the reward for Nicolás Maduro to 50 million dollars?
The United States has doubled the reward to 50 million dollars to intensify pressure on the Maduro regime, accused of leading a conspiracy of narco-terrorism and cocaine trafficking. The reward aims to facilitate his capture and accountability for the crimes committed, including the use of the Cartel de los Soles to support criminal activities.
What is the Cartel of the Suns and what is its relationship with Nicolás Maduro?
The Cartel of the Suns is a Venezuelan criminal organization allegedly led by Nicolás Maduro and other high-ranking officials of the regime. It is accused of engaging in international drug trafficking and collaborating with terrorist groups such as the FARC and the Tren de Aragua. It has recently been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States.
How has the international community reacted to the increase in the reward for Maduro?
The international community, especially in the Western Hemisphere, has shown support for the increase in the bounty, recognizing Edmundo González as the elected president of Venezuela following the 2024 elections, which they consider fraudulent. Diplomatic and judicial pressure aims to dismantle the criminal networks associated with the Maduro regime.
What actions has the United States taken against the criminal organizations linked to the Maduro regime?
The United States has designated the Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization and has imposed economic sanctions, freezing assets and prohibiting transactions with those involved. Pressure has also increased on the Tren de Aragua and other cartels to combat their influence in transnational criminal activities.
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