What's Happening?
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on several family members and associates of the Maduro-Flores family, further targeting the corruption
networks supporting Nicolás Maduro's regime in Venezuela. This action, announced on December 11, 2025, includes sanctions against Carlos Erik Malpica Flores, a nephew of Maduro's wife, Cilia Flores, and other immediate family members. Malpica Flores has been linked to corruption at Venezuela's state-run oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA). The sanctions also extend to Ramon Carretero Napolitano, a Panamanian businessman, and his family, who have been involved in transactions with the Maduro regime. These measures block all property and interests in property of the designated individuals within the United States, prohibiting U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with them.
Why It's Important?
The sanctions are part of the U.S. government's ongoing efforts to dismantle the financial networks that sustain Nicolás Maduro's regime, which is accused of narco-corruption and undermining democratic processes in Venezuela. By targeting key figures and their families, the U.S. aims to cut off financial resources that support the regime's activities, including drug trafficking. This move underscores the U.S. commitment to restoring peace and stability in the Western Hemisphere by holding accountable those who engage in corrupt practices. The sanctions also serve as a warning to other potential collaborators of the regime, emphasizing the risks of engaging in transactions that violate U.S. laws.
What's Next?
The sanctioned individuals and entities are now subject to strict financial restrictions, and their assets in the U.S. are frozen. The U.S. Treasury will continue to monitor and potentially expand sanctions to include other individuals or entities involved in supporting the Maduro regime. Financial institutions and businesses worldwide must exercise caution to avoid inadvertently violating these sanctions, which could result in severe penalties. The ultimate goal of these sanctions is to pressure the Maduro regime into changing its behavior and to encourage a return to democratic governance in Venezuela.
