US prosecutors argue Maduro plundered Venezuelan wealth

Published: Friday, 27 March 2026

The English Chronicle Desk

The English Chronicle Online — World News

US prosecutors have accused former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of “plundering” his country’s wealth, as a New York court weighs whether he and his wife, Cilia Flores, can use Venezuelan government funds to pay their legal fees. The case, which stems from narco-terrorism and weapons charges, has become a flashpoint in the broader debate over sanctions and accountability.

Maduro and Flores were seized in Caracas in January during a dramatic night-time raid by US forces and brought to New York to face allegations of drug trafficking and possession of destructive weapons. Both deny the charges. At Thursday’s hearing, their lawyers argued that sanctions had unfairly blocked access to Venezuelan government funds, leaving them unable to mount a proper defence.

Judge Alvin Hellerstein, 92, appeared sympathetic to the defence’s claim that “the right to defence is paramount,” but stopped short of dismissing the case. He noted that while the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) had initially granted a licence to release funds, it later revoked it. Prosecutors countered that Maduro and Flores had siphoned off Venezuela’s wealth for personal gain and should not be allowed to use state money.

The courtroom atmosphere was markedly calmer than Maduro’s first appearance, when he delivered a fiery speech claiming he had been kidnapped. This time, he and Flores sat quietly in khaki prison uniforms, listening to translations of the proceedings. Outside, pro- and anti-Maduro protesters clashed briefly, reflecting Venezuela’s deep divisions.

The judge acknowledged the unusual nature of the case, given that it involves a foreign head of state tried under US jurisdiction. He questioned whether denying access to Venezuelan government funds was consistent with the changed diplomatic landscape, noting that Venezuela has resumed ties with Washington under new leadership.

Maduro remains in custody at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, with no trial date set. The charges include narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine-importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns. President Donald Trump has said Maduro will receive “a fair trial” and hinted at additional cases being prepared.

In Caracas, reactions are mixed. Some residents expressed sympathy, describing Maduro as a man undone by greed and ego, while others voiced loyalty, insisting he is innocent and a victim of US aggression. The case continues to polarise Venezuelans, many of whom hope for a post-Maduro future amid years of economic collapse.

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