The United States government has requested cooperation from Venezuelan authorities in investigations involving nine high-ranking officials within the Maduro regime. The demand, made to authorities led by Delcy Rodríguez, centers on investigations into alleged criminal activity.
US Demands Access in Venezuela Investigations
According to a source familiar with the conversations, the US government, under the administration of Donald Trump, is seeking access to documents and financial records related to the investigations. The request is being approached in stages, beginning with allowing US officials to conduct interviews and review administrative records in Venezuela.
The second phase of the proposal involves US investigative teams potentially participating in, and even overseeing, parts of the verification process, with the condition that Caracas does not publicly acknowledge this cooperation. A third stage contemplates mechanisms for the transfer of individuals under investigation, though not through formal extradition – as the Venezuelan constitution prohibits the extradition of its citizens – but rather through potential prosecution within Venezuela for crimes committed abroad.
Former minister Alex Saab and businessman Raúl Gorrín are identified as key figures in identifying and prosecuting seven other individuals allegedly involved in money laundering and drug trafficking related to the Maduro regime. Those specifically named include Nicolás Maduro Guerra, Alex Saab, Raúl Gorrín, Samark López Bello, Tareck El Aissami, Walter Jacob Gavídia Flores, and Pedro Luis Martín-Olivares.
Diosdado Cabello and Vladimir Padrino López are not currently listed as persons of interest, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggesting they could be excluded from any potential transition if they do not meet US demands. According to reports, they are not immediate priorities for US justice officials.
Recent developments include a visit by the commander of US Southern Command, General Francis L. Donovan, to Venezuela to meet with Delcy Rodríguez. Both parties agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in the fight against drug trafficking. A consular visit to Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores, currently detained in New York, took place on January 30th, ahead of a rescheduled court appearance on March 26th.
The US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York has postponed the hearing, previously scheduled for March 17th, to allow for further evidence gathering and legal preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the US government requesting from Venezuela?
The US government is requesting access to documents and financial records, as well as the opportunity to interview individuals, related to investigations into nine high-ranking Venezuelan officials.
Is extradition being considered?
While the US is seeking the transfer of individuals under investigation, the proposal does not mention extradition, as the Venezuelan constitution prohibits it. The possibility of prosecution within Venezuela for crimes committed abroad is being considered.
Who are the individuals currently targeted by the US investigations?
The individuals named include Nicolás Maduro Guerra, Alex Saab, Raúl Gorrín, Samark López Bello, Tareck El Aissami, Walter Jacob Gavídia Flores, and Pedro Luis Martín-Olivares.
As the US government continues to pursue these investigations, what impact will this pressure have on the political landscape in Venezuela?
