The US Department of Justice accuses Nicolás Maduro and Venezuelan officials of leading a millionaire drug trafficking network, within American territory.
Venezuelans accused of drug trafficking
The charges against Nicolás Maduro and other Venezuelan officials are due to a millionaire cocaine drug trafficking network within the United States.
According to the Justice Department, it has wreaked havoc in the United States for 20 years. Also, involving drug traffickers, Colombian FARC officials and Venezuelan government officials.
DEA Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon said: “These allegations expose the devastating systemic corruption at the highest levels of the Nicolás Maduro regime”.
US Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman comments: “Today we announce the criminal charges against Nicolás Maduro Moros for leading, along with his main lieutenants, a narcoterrorism association with the FARC for the past 20 years”.
The United States government accuses some Venezuelan officials close to Maduro, such as: Diosdado Cabello, Maikel Moreno and Padrino Lopez, for drug trafficking.
Venezuelans accused of using crypto
Similarly, Alysa D. Erichs confirms that Maduro uses cryptography to cover crimes committed by drug trafficking in the American territory.
Because there is no evidence, the United States government offers a sum of $ 10 to $ 15 million, for each accused official.
HSI Executive Director Alysa D. Erichs said that: “The Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration will continue to protect the American people from ruthless drug dealers, no matter who they are or where they live.”.
Venezuelan cryptography
In the accusations, a crypto is not specified. However, the “petro” is the preliminary cryptocurrency for the Venezuelan government. In 2018, Maduro launches the petro, as a way to “evade American sanctions”, which have been implemented since the beginning of his mandate.
The cryptocurrency is backed by oil and other natural resources given in Venezuela. Currently, it seeks to implement its use in the market through government bonds, managing to introduce its sale on the LocalBitcoin platform.
The “petro” cryptocurrency is regulated by the Venezuelan crypto superintendent, led by Joselit Camacho, who was also prosecuted in the Southern District of New York.
The use of petro can be an advantage for Nicolás Maduro, in money laundering for drug trafficking. However, there is still no evidence that specifies its use.
