Bern, Switzerland – Swiss authorities have frozen approximately 687 million Swiss francs (roughly $775 million USD as of February 23, 2026) belonging to individuals connected to former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, following his arrest by U.S. Forces and transfer to the United States. The move, confirmed by the Swiss Federal Council, aims to prevent the outflow of assets potentially obtained illicitly. This action builds upon existing sanctions and investigations related to the political situation in Venezuela.
The asset freeze, initially reported by the online portal tippinpoint, encompasses funds held in Swiss banks and linked to 21 of the 37 individuals listed in the Venezuela Ordinance. Two-thirds of the frozen amount had already been blocked as part of ongoing Swiss criminal proceedings, according to a spokesperson for the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (EDA). The remaining 239 million francs were subsequently frozen, completing the full amount reported to the Swiss Money Laundering Reporting Office (MROS).
The Swiss Federal Council’s decision, announced on January 5, 2026, came shortly after Maduro’s arrest in Caracas by U.S. Forces and his subsequent transport to the United States to face charges, including allegations of drug terrorism. The Federal Council stated its intention to ensure that any illicitly acquired assets cannot be transferred out of Switzerland during this period of instability. Delcy Rodríguez, formerly Maduro’s Vice President, has assumed leadership in Venezuela.
The legal basis for the asset freeze is the Federal Act on the Freezing and the Restitution of Illicit Assets Held by Foreign Politically Exposed Persons (FIAA). Swiss authorities have indicated that if the funds are proven to have been acquired illegally, they will endeavor to return them to the Venezuelan people. Swissinfo.ch reports that this is a precautionary measure, and the current Venezuelan government is not affected by the freeze.
US Military Action and Maduro’s Arrest
The arrest of Nicolás Maduro marks a significant escalation in the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela. The U.S. Military action, described as unprecedented, led to Maduro and his wife being taken into custody. He is currently awaiting trial in Latest York. The situation remains volatile, with various potential scenarios unfolding in the coming weeks, according to the Swiss Federal Council.
Switzerland has called for de-escalation, restraint, and adherence to international law, including the prohibition of the leverage of force and respect for territorial integrity. The country has likewise repeatedly offered its good offices to mediate a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The Swiss government has been closely monitoring the situation since the beginning of January 2026.
Existing Sanctions and Swiss Policy
The current asset freeze is in addition to existing sanctions against Venezuela that have been in place since 2018 under the Embargo Act. Baker McKenzie’s sanctions news service confirms that members of the current Venezuelan government are not subject to the asset freeze.
The Swiss Federal Council aims to prevent the illicit transfer of funds from Maduro and his associates, ensuring that any assets obtained through unlawful means are not moved out of the country. This action underscores Switzerland’s commitment to combating money laundering and upholding international legal standards.
The situation remains fluid, and the Swiss authorities will continue to monitor developments in Venezuela closely. The next steps will likely depend on the outcome of the legal proceedings against Maduro in the United States and any further actions taken by the Venezuelan government. Readers are encouraged to follow developments from credible news sources as the situation evolves.
