Switzerland Freezes Assets Linked to Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

KATHMANDU – The Swiss government has decided to immediately freeze assets based in Switzerland related to the ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

The Swiss government stated that if these assets are confirmed to have been illegally acquired, they will be used for the benefit of the Venezuelan people. 

Issuing a statement on the social media platform X, the Swiss Federal Government clarified that this decision applies immediately to all Swiss-based assets associated with Maduro.

According to the Swiss government, the Federal Council decided on Monday to seize assets held in the names of Maduro and individuals close to him. 

The Swiss government's statement said, "The objective of this step is to prevent the potential risk of asset flight. If these assets are determined to be illegally acquired through legal processes in the future, Switzerland will endeavor to use those funds for the benefit of the Venezuelan people."

However, it was clarified that this decision will not affect current members of the Venezuelan government. The Swiss government stated that this asset seizure decision is in addition to the sanctions against Venezuela that have been in place since 2018.

The new decision was made under the "Federal Act on the Freezing and Restitution of Illicit Assets held by Foreign Politically Exposed Persons," which targets individuals not previously covered by sanctions. 

Switzerland stated through the press release that it is closely monitoring developments, noting that the situation in Venezuela has been unstable since January 3, 2026, and various scenarios could unfold in the coming days and weeks.

The Swiss government has urged all parties to reduce tensions regarding the situation in Venezuela, exercise restraint, and comply with international law. Additionally, it stated that it is offering mediation to all parties for a peaceful solution. 

This asset seizure decision, conducted under Swiss law, will remain in effect for four years. The Swiss government said this step was taken with the aim of facilitating future mutual legal assistance processes. — AANI