The US reward for Venezuela’s Maduro has been increased to $25 million to catch him

MIAMI — The U.S. State Department said Friday it has increased the reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro to $25 million.

The increase is a renewed push to arrest the 62-year-old Maduro, who has been under indictment in the United States since 2020 for his alleged involvement in drug trafficking and narco-terrorism.

Maduro, who led Venezuela since 2013is charged by the Federal Court with, among other things, cocaine trafficking and weapons crimes.

US prosecutors say he played a central role Cartel of Sunsa Venezuelan drug trafficking organization made up of high-ranking officials.

According to the indictmentMaduro coordinated multi-ton cocaine shipments with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a designated terrorist organization.

U.S. authorities said Maduro ordered the cartel to provide military weapons to the FARC and asked them to help train an unsanctioned militia that acted as the cartel’s armed wing.

The State Department initially offered a $15 million reward for Maduro’s capture in 2020.

The increase to $25 million reflects “the seriousness of his crimes and the ongoing threat to international stability,” a senior official said.

Maduro has been accused of consolidating his power through electoral fraud, including his disputed victory in Venezuela Presidential election campaign in July 2024which the US and other nations refused to acknowledge.

Anyone outside the U.S. with information about Maduro is urged to contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. In the United States, tips can be directed to the local Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) office.