U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Venezuelan Officials for Repression and Human Rights Abuses
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned eight Venezuelan officials connected to Nicolás Maduro’s repression and subversion of democracy. These individuals include leaders of key economic and security agencies, such as the president of Venezuela's state-owned oil company, PdVSA, and the president of the Venezuelan airline CONVIASA. High-ranking officials from the military and police, involved in human rights abuses, were also sanctioned. This action aligns with similar measures by Canada, the EU, and the UK, underscoring international solidarity against Maduro’s regime.
In addition, the U.S. Department of State has increased reward offers up to $25 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Maduro and Diosdado Cabello, the Minister of Interior, Justice, and Peace. A new reward of up to $15 million is also being offered for information on Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino. These efforts further escalate pressure on the Maduro government and support calls for a democratic transition in Venezuela.
Sanctions Implications: As a result of these sanctions, all property and interests of the designated individuals are blocked within U.S. jurisdiction. U.S. persons and entities are prohibited from engaging in transactions involving these individuals unless authorized by OFAC. Engaging in certain transactions with the sanctioned officials may expose financial institutions to sanctions or enforcement actions. The goal of the sanctions is not punitive but to encourage a positive change in behavior by those designated.
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