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2h ago

OFAC Blocks Venezuela From Funding Maduro’s Defense, Lawyer Says

His attorney has filed an OFAC challenge, calling the licensing reversal a violation of his Sixth Amendment right to counsel.

Venezuela's captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores attend their arraignment with defense lawyers Barry Pollack and Mark Donnelly to face U.S. federal charges including narco-terrorism, conspiracy, drug trafficking, money laundering and others, at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., January 5, 2026 in this courtroom sketch. REUTERS/Jane Rosenberg
A government supporter holds an image of former President Nicolás Maduro during a march calling for his release and of his wife Cilia Flores, a month after U.S. forces captured them, in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

Overview

  • Barry Pollack’s Feb. 20 letter, made public Feb. 25, says Treasury initially licensed Venezuelan government payments on Jan. 9 before revoking Maduro’s authorization within hours.
  • The defense argues Venezuelan law and custom require the state to cover presidential legal expenses and says Maduro cannot otherwise afford counsel.
  • Pollack reports OFAC has not acted on a request to restore the authorization and warns he may seek the judge’s intervention if Treasury does not act.
  • The authorization for co-defendant Cilia Flores remains in place, allowing potential government funding for her legal fees.
  • Maduro and Flores have pleaded not guilty and remain jailed in New York, with their next court appearance scheduled for March 26.