FLASH
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The Swiss government announced this Monday that it has decided to immediately freeze all assets that the arrested Venezuelan president, Nicolas Maduro, or persons associated with him, may have on Swiss territory.
According to authorities in Bern, this decision comes after Maduro's arrest in Caracas during a surprise US military operation, after which he was transferred to New York to face charges related to drug trafficking.
Describing the current situation as "unsustainable," the Swiss government said the measure aims to prevent the transfer abroad of any assets that may have been obtained illegally. For this reason, as a preliminary measure, the assets of Maduro and other individuals associated with him have been frozen.
The decision takes effect immediately and will remain valid for a period of four years, until further notice. The Swiss authorities explained that, if the ongoing legal proceedings prove that the funds were obtained illegally, Switzerland will commit to returning them to the Venezuelan people.
The statement also emphasizes that the asset freeze does not affect any member of the current Venezuelan government. The measure is based on the Federal Law on the Freezing and Return of Illegal Assets Held by Politically Exposed Foreign Persons and reinforces existing sanctions against Venezuela, imposed since 2018, which also include similar financial measures.
According to Bern, the new freezes target individuals who had not previously been subject to sanctions in Switzerland. The Swiss government said it was closely following developments in Venezuela and called on the parties to de-escalate tensions, exercise restraint and respect international law, including the prohibition of the use of force and respect for territorial integrity.
At the same time, Switzerland reiterated its willingness to offer "good offices" as a mediator, with the aim of contributing to a peaceful resolution of the situation.
The Swiss authorities explained that the reasons for Maduro's ouster are not decisive for this decision, nor is the fact that it occurred in accordance with or in violation of international law. According to them, the key element is that a change of power has occurred and there is a possibility that legal proceedings may be initiated in the future regarding ill-gotten wealth.
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