Switzerland freezes $880m linked to Nicolas Maduro after US arrest

Switzerland has frozen assets worth about $880m linked to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, in a move aimed at preventing potentially illicit funds from leaving the country while investigations continue.

According to AFP, the Swiss Foreign Ministry disclosed the overall value of the frozen assets for the first time when responding to questions from reporters. The measure follows Maduro’s capture by US forces in early January.

The Swiss Federal Council approved an ordinance on 5 January 2026 to block assets in Switzerland belonging to Maduro and politically exposed individuals connected to him. The order took effect immediately and will remain in force for at least four years.

Swiss officials said the freeze is a precaution during what they described as a volatile situation in Venezuela. 

If future legal proceedings determine the money was obtained illegally, authorities say Switzerland will work to return it in a way that benefits the Venezuelan people.

A government press release said the action targets Maduro and 36 people linked to him, including individuals not previously covered by Swiss sanctions lists. 

Officials pointed out that existing sanctions targeting Venezuela have been in place for years.

Authorities have not yet detailed what the frozen assets consist of or provided evidence directly tying them to corruption or criminal activity. 

Swiss officials say the funds will remain blocked while courts or international legal cooperation processes examine their origin.