The U.S. government has formally declared the President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, and two top officials as fugitives, accusing them of major drug trafficking crimes.
Maduro and Diosdado Cabello Rondón are each facing a $25 million reward, while Vladimir Padrino López has a $15 million bounty, making the total offer $65 million.
The three are accused of leading the Cartel de los Soles, which U.S. authorities have recently classified as a terrorist group.
The charges include drug trafficking conspiracy, illegal weapons use, and plotting to export narcotics to the United States.
The announcement came just after Maduro celebrated the anniversary of his disputed 2024 re-election—an outcome rejected by the U.S. and other Western nations.
Washington continues to refuse recognition of his administration and has placed sanctions on officials in his government.
While this legal action intensifies pressure on Caracas, it follows recent steps by the Trump administration to ease certain restrictions.
For example, Chevron has been allowed to restart limited oil operations in Venezuela, under conditions meant to prevent any financial benefit to Maduro’s government.
The bounty announcement also follows a recent U.S.-Venezuela prisoner exchange, where several detained Americans were freed in return for the deportation of Venezuelan nationals to El Salvador.
U.S. intelligence agencies have long tracked the activities of the Cartel de los Soles.
Through a classified program known as “Money Badger,” American operatives infiltrated networks tied to the regime.
Some experts have criticized these efforts, raising concerns about international legal standards.
By officially listing the President of Venezuela and his allies as fugitives, U.S. authorities continue to treat Maduro not as a recognized head of state but as a criminal leader.