OFAC Sanctions 21 Venezuelan Officials Over Post-Election Crackdown

On November 27, 2024, the Office of Foreign Control (OFAC) sanctioned 21 cabinet-level and security officials, working for Nicolas Maduro falsely claimed victory in Election.

These  individuals are sanctioned under E.O. 13692, “Blocking Property and Suspending Entry of Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Venezuela,”

On July 28, these individuals fraudulently declared Maduro as the “winner” of the presidential elections by repressing civil society. Even though, Venezuelan voters elected “Edmundo Gonzaled Urrutia” as their president, according to officials.

During this election process, Venezuelan security also arrested democratic opposition supporters, dispersed protests & didn’t give citizens their right to cast a vote peacefully, resulting in the departure of “Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia” from the country, due to an unjustified arrest warrant.

The opposition has presented evidence, including leaked ballot sheets, to prove their candidate “Edmundo Gonzalez” was the election winner.

They have called for a thorough investigation into the electoral process to reveal the actual truth. Afterward, at least 2400 protestors were arrested & 25 were killed, as stated by officials of the US Department of the Treasury.

Under Presidential Proclamation 9931, the Department of State is taking action to impose visa restrictions on approximately 2000 Maduro supporters who participated in exploiting the Venezuelan elections and repressed individual voting rights.

Sanctions individuals included current or former officials from different departments including the Bolivarian National Guard (GNB), Militia, National Intelligence Service, National Police & General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence, stated treasury press release.

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OFAC announced to block all property and interests in property of the designated individuals listed above, along with any entities they own directly or indirectly, 50% or more, either alone or with other sanctioned individuals if in the United States or under the control of U.S. persons and must be reported to OFAC.

The same clause applies to financial institutions in Venezuela that are caught involved with these sanctioned entities and will be subject to severe enforcement action.

A news release from the Treasury Department revealed that these restrictions also include providing or receiving funds, goods, or services for the benefit of any designated individual or entity listed on OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List.

Latin American countries including Peru, Argentina & El Salvador broke ties with Venezuela after the election. Gonzalez left Venezuela and is still living in Spain after the government issued a warrant for him.