The Swiss government has ordered an immediate freeze on any assets held in Switzerland by former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro or people associated with him, authorities said on Monday, January 5th.
Bern said the decision followed Maduro’s seizure in Caracas during a surprise U.S. military operation and his transfer to New York to face narcotrafficking charges. Describing the situation in Venezuela as “volatile,” the Swiss government said the move was a precaution to ensure that potentially illicit assets could not be moved abroad.
The asset freeze takes effect immediately and will remain in force for up to four years. Swiss authorities stressed that the measure does not apply to members of Venezuela’s current government.
Switzerland said that if future legal proceedings show the frozen funds were obtained illegally, it would seek to ensure they are returned for the benefit of the Venezuelan people. The decision was taken under Swiss legislation governing the freezing and restitution of assets held by politically exposed persons.
The government added that the action goes beyond existing sanctions imposed on Venezuela since 2018, as it targets individuals not previously sanctioned in Switzerland. Bern also called for restraint and respect for international law, reiterating its offer to act as a neutral mediator in efforts to find a peaceful solution to the crisis.
