Reward of $50 million offered for information leading to arrest of Venezuelan president Maduro
In a move that has further escalated tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, the Trump administration has increased the reward for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The new bounty stands at a staggering $50 million (approximately €43 million).
This decision comes in the wake of allegations against Maduro, who is accused of drug trafficking and election fraud. The U.S. accuses Maduro of leading a cocaine trafficking network known as "The Cartel of the Suns," which is said to ship large quantities of narcotics, including cocaine and fentanyl, through Venezuela in partnership with groups such as Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel. This activity allegedly fuels violence and addiction in the U.S.
Maduro's third term, which began about a year ago, was controversial due to allegations of election fraud, nationwide protests, and international criticism. The U.S. and many other countries, including the EU and several Latin American nations, question the official election results and recognize Maduro's opponent, Edmundo González, who now lives in Spanish exile, as the winner.
The ongoing issues in Venezuela, including mismanagement, corruption, and sanctions, have led to significant population loss. Approximately seven million people have left the country in recent years, according to UN data.
The Venezuelan Foreign Minister, Yván Gil, has rejected the U.S. reward, describing it as "ridiculous" and "pitiful." The Venezuelan government's rejection of the U.S. reward could indicate continued tension between the two countries.
This information is based on official U.S. government announcements and credible news reports from August 2025.
| Allegation | Current Status (2025) | |--------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Drug Trafficking | Maduro indicted and subject to a $50 million U.S. bounty for arrest; linked to major cocaine trafficking networks and narco-terrorism. | | Election Fraud | Maduro's 2025 re-election widely condemned as fraudulent by the U.S. and international observers; U.S. recognizes opposition leader as legitimate winner. |
The situation in Venezuela remains complex, with ongoing political and economic challenges. The exodus of seven million people from the country is a stark reminder of the turmoil within the once wealthy oil nation.
The escalation of tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela over allegations against President Nicolás Maduro, including drug trafficking and election fraud, is a significant point of focus in the general news and politics sections. The U.S.'s offer of a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest is also a hot topic in the crime-and-justice sector, with the Venezuelan Foreign Minister dismissing it as "ridiculous" and "pitiful," suggesting continued tension. This complex situation, involving war-and-conflicts and economics, has led to a mass exodus of about seven million people from Venezuela, as reported by the UN in 2025.
