US prosecutors argue Maduro ‘plundered’ Venezuelan wealth in court battle over legal fees
US Prosecutors Challenge Maduro’s Use of Venezuelan Funds in Legal Fee Dispute
On Thursday, a judge displayed openness toward the claim that former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores, should be permitted to utilize government funds from Venezuela to support their defense. The attorneys representing Maduro and Flores requested the judge to consider dropping the narco-terrorism case against them, citing the U.S. denial of access to such funds due to ongoing sanctions on the country. Prosecutors countered, asserting that Maduro had “plundered” Venezuela’s resources and thus should not be eligible to use its money for legal expenses.
Despite the prosecutors’ arguments, Judge Alvin Hellerstein emphasized that “the right to defense is paramount.” He confirmed that he would not dismiss the case solely due to the funding dispute, though he reserved a final decision for a later ruling. The judge also noted the next court date would be addressed in the upcoming decision.
“We are doing business with Venezuela,” Hellerstein remarked, suggesting the foreign policy dynamics had shifted since Maduro’s capture. The former leader’s arrest had led to the country’s re-establishment of diplomatic ties with the U.S., with Delcy Rodríguez now serving as vice-president. Hellerstein questioned the logic of withholding funds, stating that the Venezuelan government was willing to pay.
Maduro and Flores were seized in a surprise midnight raid on January 3, transported to New York to face accusations of weapon and drug offenses. The couple has denied these charges, and their recent courtroom appearance, marked by quietness and a group of lawyers, contrasted with their first hearing. At that time, Maduro delivered a lengthy speech declaring his innocence and claiming he had been kidnapped, while a spectator in the back of the room erupted in protest.
The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) initially approved a permit allowing the government to cover their legal fees but later rescinded it. Prosecutors argued that the couple’s access to funds should be restricted due to national security risks, while asserting they possess personal finances to hire attorneys. Maduro’s legal team, however, contended that the case, held in another country, would be too burdensome for a public defender to manage effectively.
Maduro and his wife have not yet applied for bail and are currently detained at Brooklyn’s federal Metropolitan Detention Center. No trial date has been scheduled. During a cabinet meeting in Washington, President Donald Trump mentioned that the U.S. was contemplating new charges against Maduro, while pledging he would receive “a fair trial.”
Residents in Caracas, including Ana Patricia, a 72-year-old retired lawyer, expressed cautious interest in the court proceedings. She noted that although government-controlled media face restrictions, international outlets remain free to report on the case. Patricia acknowledged sympathy for Maduro, stating: “He is a man who had everything but lost it through greed and an inflated ego. I feel sorry for him, because in the end, he is a human being, but I hope he receives a life sentence. He has to pay for his crimes.”
Agustina Parra, a 67-year-old retired nurse, voiced confidence that “my President Maduro will be released.” She added that, despite his shortcomings, he has not been entirely without support in the community.