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Switzerland freezes assets of Nicolas Maduro and his associates

Switzerland freezes assets of Nicolas Maduro and his associates

Boris Bodnar Journalist

06 January 2026, 15:40

Switzerland freezes assets of Nicolas Maduro and his associates — former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

The Swiss Federal Council immediately froze Nicolas Maduro's assets in Swiss banks for four years, adding to the sanctions against Venezuela that have been in place since 2018.

The Swiss Federal Council on 5 January 2026 decided to freeze immediately all assets that may be held in Switzerland by the former president of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro and persons associated with him. The measure is aimed at preventing the withdrawal of funds during a period of political instability following his detention by US forces on 3 January

According to Berne, the decision does not apply to current representatives of the Venezuelan government. The asset freeze was introduced in accordance with the law on the blocking and recovery of illegally acquired funds of politically exposed persons and will be in effect for at least four years

The Swiss authorities stressed that if the illicit origin of the funds is confirmed in future court proceedings, they should be used in the interests of the Venezuelan people. The new restrictions are in addition to the sanctions against Venezuela that Switzerland has been applying since 2018 on the basis of the embargo law.

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