WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on eight Venezuelan officials linked to key economic and security agencies that support Nicolas Maduro’s oppressive regime and undermine democracy in Venezuela.
The sanctioned individuals, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13692, include the president of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA), the state-owned oil company, and Maduro’s Minister of Transportation, who also leads the Venezuelan state-owned airline, CONVIASA. The sanctions also target high-ranking military and police officials who participate in enforcing Maduro’s repressive policies and committing human rights violations.
This action aligns with similar measures enacted today by allied nations and underscores international solidarity with the Venezuelan populace, intensifying pressure on Maduro and his affiliates.
“Following the contested elections last year, Maduro continues his oppressive tactics in Venezuela,” stated a Treasury official. “The United States stands firmly with the Venezuelan people’s choice for new leadership and rejects Maduro’s fraudulent claims of victory.”
In response to the presidential elections held on July 28, 2024, the United States and its regional allies urged Maduro to agree to a democratic transition. Instead, he has escalated violent repression to cling to power, disregarding the Venezuelan people’s demands for democratic accountability.
Furthermore, the U.S. State Department has increased rewards to up to $25 million each for information leading to the arrests or convictions of Maduro and Diosdado Cabello, his Minister of Interior, Justice, and Peace. A new reward of up to $15 million has been offered for leads on Vladimir Padrino, Maduro’s Minister of Defense. New visa restrictions have also been placed on Maduro-aligned officials involved in undermining Venezuela’s electoral process.
The officials designated under E.O. 13692 for their roles within the Venezuelan government include:
Hector Andres Obregon Perez (Obregon), appointed as president of PdVSA in August 2024, is a key figure in Venezuela’s economy. Prior to this, he held various significant positions within the Venezuelan government.
Ramon Celestino Velasquez Araguayan (Velasquez), serving as Minister of Transportation since May 2023, also leads CONVIASA, which has been sanctioned by the U.S.
Felix Ramon Osorio Guzman (Osorio), recently appointed vice minister of interior policy, previously commanded the Bolivarian Army.
The sanctions also extend to military and police officials:
Danny Ramon Ferrer Sandrea (Ferrer), appointed vice minister of penal investigations, oversees investigative police units responsible for enforcing order in Venezuela.
Douglas Arnoldo Rico Gonzalez (Rico), director of the CICPC since 2016, has faced accusations of severe human rights abuses.
Jhonny Rafael Salazar Bello (Salazar), deputy director of the CICPC, is also implicated in ongoing human rights violations since the last presidential election.
Manuel Enrique Castillo Rengifo (Castillo), deputy commander of the Strategic Operations Command, leads operations involving governmental repressive tactics.
Jose Ramon Figuera Valdez (Figuera), commander of the capital district’s Integral Defense Zone, has overseen significant repression, including arbitrary detentions and violence against protesters.
Sanctions Implications
Consequently, all properties and interests owned by these designated individuals, along with any related entities, are blocked. U.S. individuals and institutions are prohibited from engaging in any transactions involving these sanctioned persons unless authorized by OFAC. Violations may result in severe penalties.
OFAC’s guidelines detail the enforcement of U.S. sanctions, emphasizing that the intention of these measures is to encourage positive behavioral changes, rather than simply to impose punishment.
