U.S. Blocks Venezuela from Paying Maduro’s Drug Defense, Lawyer Says

Attorney Barry Pollack told a Manhattan federal judge that the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) initially granted Venezuela permission on Jan. 9 to pay legal fees for Maduro and Flores under Venezuelan law, which customarily obliges the government to cover such costs. However, the Treasury later withdrew the authorization for Maduro though a separate license allowing payment for Flores’ legal team remained in place.

Pollack argued that by blocking the payment from Caracas, U.S. authorities are interfering with Maduro’s ability to hire and retain counsel of his choice, potentially violating his constitutional rights. He has asked OFAC to reinstate the original authorization or is prepared to urge the judge to order a solution.

Maduro and his wife were seized by U.S. military forces on Jan. 3 during a dramatic operation in Venezuela and flown to New York, where they face a sweeping federal indictment alleging collaboration with drug cartels to ship large quantities of cocaine into the United States. Both have pleaded not guilty, and the case could lead to life sentences if convicted.

Since Maduro’s capture, his former vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, now acting president of Venezuela, has worked with Washington on economic and diplomatic matters, though Maduro’s supporters continue to contest the legality of his detention and prosecution.

The dispute over defense funding underscores wider tensions in U.S.–Venezuela relations. The U.S. has not recognized Maduro’s government since 2019, instead backing opposition figures as the legitimate leaders. Allowing Venezuela to fund his defense could complicate U.S. prosecutors’ efforts to reject Maduro’s claims that his capture and prosecution are unlawful, including arguments that as a head of state he enjoys immunity a position U.S. authorities reject.

Maduro’s legal team says he cannot otherwise afford counsel and may seek court assistance to ensure he can mount an adequate defense.