U.S. Increases Reward for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s Arrest to $25 Million

The United States officially increased the reward for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s arrest to $25 million.

The U.S. Department of State made this announcement on January 10, 2025, during Maduro’s third-term inauguration. Many international observers and the U.S. deem his election illegitimate due to alleged fraud in the July 2024 presidential elections.

Since 2020, Maduro has faced U.S. indictments for narco-terrorism, cocaine trafficking, and weapons-related crimes. Authorities accuse him of leading the Cartel of the Suns, a drug-trafficking group involving top Venezuelan officials.

The indictment alleges Maduro coordinated cocaine shipments with Colombia’s Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC), a designated terrorist group, and sought military-grade weapons from them.

U.S. officials raised the reward, citing “the gravity of his crimes and the threat he poses to global stability.” This new bounty marks a significant increase from the $15 million offer during the Trump administration.

The U.S. also announced rewards for other Venezuelan officials: $25 million for Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and $15 million for Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino.

These actions are part of the Biden administration’s strategy to pressure Maduro’s regime, known for economic collapse and human rights abuses.

The U.S. supports opposition leader Edmundo González, who claims victory in the disputed elections. Sanctions against eight Venezuelan officials accompany these moves, further isolating Maduro’s government.

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