The United States has sanctioned three nephews of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro: Franqui Flores, Carlos Flores, and Efrain Campo. The move is part of President Donald Trump’s effort to apply greater pressure on Venezuela. It comes just one day after the U.S. seized an oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast.
Businessman and Companies Also Targeted
Along with the three men, the U.S. also sanctioned Panamanian businessman Ramon Carretero, six companies, and six Venezuela-flagged ships accused of transporting Venezuelan oil.
According to the Treasury, Carretero helped arrange oil shipments for the Venezuelan government and had business connections with the Maduro-Flores family.
Purpose and Impact of the Sanctions
The sanctions block access to any U.S.-based assets and prohibit American entities from doing business with those listed. Banks or companies that violate these restrictions may face penalties.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused Maduro and his associates of sending drugs into the United States and emphasized that the administration is holding them accountable.
The event adds to years of tension between the U.S. and Maduro’s family. In 2022, Venezuela released seven American detainees in exchange for the U.S. releasing Flores and Campo, who had been imprisoned on drug charges since a 2015 DEA operation.
Recent U.S. military strikes targeting drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific—which have resulted in at least 87 deaths since September—have also intensified the situation. Trump argues these actions are necessary to stop the flow of drugs into the U.S.