The U.S. Department of Justice has unveiled a comprehensive indictment against former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, his wife Cilia Flores, and their son Nicolás Maduro Guerra, detailing their alleged roles in a widespread drug trafficking and corruption scheme. The charges, filed in the Southern District of New York, include serious allegations of narco-terrorism conspiracy and corruption that reportedly extends throughout Latin America and into the United States.
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the indictment on Saturday, shortly after President Donald Trump announced Maduro’s removal from power. The indictment outlines a sophisticated network that enabled corruption fueled by drug trafficking and supported notorious criminal organizations, including the Tren de Aragua (TdA). The document, signed by U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, describes Maduro’s regime as having fostered an environment where drug cartels thrived, particularly since the rise of Hugo Chávez in 1999.
Details of the Indictment
According to the indictment, Maduro and his associates have perpetuated a “culture of corruption” that has allowed powerful elites in Venezuela to enrich themselves through drug trafficking. The indictment alleges that profits from these illegal activities flow to corrupt officials across various sectors, including military and intelligence, forming a patronage system known as the Cartel de Los Soles. This cartel is referenced by the sun insignia worn by high-ranking military officials in Venezuela.
The indictment also highlights the strategic geographical position of Venezuela, making it a significant hub for drug traffickers. It states that between 200 and 250 tons of cocaine are trafficked through the country each year, illustrating the scale of the operations involved. This illicit trade reportedly routes processed cocaine to the United States via Caribbean and Central American transit points, including Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico.
The document details how Maduro’s regime allegedly collaborated with various narcotics traffickers and terrorist organizations, including Colombian militant groups such as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army (ELN), as well as Mexican cartels like the Sinaloa Cartel and Los Zetas.
Implications for the Maduro Regime
The indictment specifically names several high-profile members of Maduro’s government, including Diosdado Cabello Rondón and Ramón Rodríguez Chacín, reinforcing the extent of the alleged corruption within the Venezuelan political structure. It also mentions that Nicolás Maduro Guerra, who has served as a Deputy in the Venezuelan National Assembly since 2021, was involved in coordinating shipments of cocaine to the U.S., further implicating the ruling family in these criminal activities.
The U.S. State Department previously designated the Cartel de Los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in November 2025, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that the cartel is led by Maduro and his regime, which has corrupted multiple facets of Venezuelan governance.
The indictment paints a stark picture of a regime that has not only undermined its own citizens through systemic corruption but has also contributed to a broader culture of violence and criminality across the region. As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications for Maduro and his associates could reshape the political landscape in Venezuela and affect U.S.-Latin America relations moving forward.
The release of this indictment marks a critical moment in the ongoing struggle for justice in Venezuela, highlighting the urgent need for accountability in the face of rampant corruption and criminality.
