The United States has raised its reward for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, offering up to $25 million.
According to Sky news, Truthlivenews learnt that the announcement, made by the US Treasury on Friday, also includes a $15 million reward for information on incoming defense minister Vladimir Padrino and named interior minister Diosdado Cabello.
New sanctions were simultaneously introduced against Venezuela’s state-owned oil company and airline, further escalating international pressure on Maduro’s administration.
The rewards and sanctions come as Maduro begins his third term as president, following a disputed election last year.
The US alleges Maduro and other senior officials have been involved in narcotics and corruption charges dating back to 2020. Maduro is accused of using cocaine as a weapon to undermine US health.
While Maduro denies these accusations, he blames Venezuela’s economic collapse on US-led sanctions, calling them illegitimate and imperialist. Critics, however, attribute the crisis to corruption and economic mismanagement.
The US had reimposed oil sanctions last year after briefly easing them in hopes of encouraging free and fair elections in Venezuela.