U.S. Judicial Authorities Weigh Opening Penal Proceedings Over Alleged
Financial Links to Maduro Regime
The U.S. Justice Department is reportedly moving to open a criminal case against former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, whom officials consider a potential “necessary collaborator” of Nicolás Maduro’s regime, based on recent key disclosures from former Venezuelan intelligence chief Hugo “El Pollo” Carvajal.
Carvajal, extradited to the United States in 2023, pleaded guilty to narcotrafficking and narcoterrorism charges related to the notorious “Cartel of the Suns”—the Venezuelan military-linked drug trafficking organization.
His ongoing cooperation with U.S. authorities includes providing “solid and precise information” implicating Zapatero in alleged financial transactions through Venezuela’s state oil company PDVSA during Zapatero’s various governmental negotiations with Caracas.
The information points to a network of financial intermediaries operating under the direction of Maduro’s trusted ally Jorge Rodríguez.
Federal prosecutors have requested cooperation from Spain to investigate Zapatero’s financial activities and asset growth connected to his involvement with the Venezuelan government.
The case relates to a prior civil RICO lawsuit filed in Florida aiming to dismantle the complex criminal enterprise tied to the Maduro administration, including high-ranking officials like Vice President Delcy Rodríguez.
Pending criminal charges against Zapatero could lead to asset seizures or an international arrest warrant.
U.S. officials are deliberating over the severity of sanctions and penalties to be applied, ranging from moderate restrictions to “exemplary punishments.”
The legal process is being closely watched internationally due to its potential diplomatic repercussions between the United States and Spain.
