The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned 16 officials aligned with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, citing their roles in obstructing a competitive and inclusive presidential election process and violating civil and human rights. These actions are pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13692, as amended.

"Today, the United States is taking decisive action against Maduro and his representatives for their repression of the Venezuelan people and denial of their citizens’ rights to a free and fair election," stated Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo. He emphasized that these measures target key officials involved in what he described as "Maduro’s fraudulent and illegitimate claims of victory" and his crackdown on free expression following the recent elections.

Following the July 28 election, various tactics were reportedly employed by Maduro's administration to silence opposition, including indiscriminate arrests and intimidation. Notably, an arrest warrant was issued for Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who subsequently sought asylum in Spain.

In tandem with OFAC's sanctions, the Department of State has imposed new visa restrictions under Presidential Proclamation 9931 on officials linked to undermining Venezuela's electoral process. Nearly 2,000 individuals have been subjected to such restrictions due to their roles in undermining democracy or committing significant corruption and human rights violations.

The sanctioned individuals include high-ranking members from various sectors within Venezuela:

- Inocencio Antonio Figueroa Arizaleta: Judge at the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ).

- Malaquias Gil Rodriguez: President of TSJ’s Political-Administrative Chamber.

- Juan Carlos Hidalgo Pandares: Vice president at TSJ’s Political-Administrative Chamber.

- Caryslia Beatriz Rodriguez Rodriguez: President of TSJ since January 2024.

- Fanny Beatriz Marquez Cordero: Vice president at TSJ.

- Edward Miguel Briceno Cisneros: Special judge at First Court with jurisdiction over terrorism.

- Luis Ernesto Duenez Reyes: Prosecutor in Public Prosecutor’s office.

- Rosalba Gil Pacheco: Rector serving as president of Civil and Electoral Registry Commission.

- Antonio Jose Meneses Rodriguez: Secretary General at National Electoral Council (CNE).

- Dinorah Yoselin Bustamante Puerta: Prosecutor within Directorate-General of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM).

- Pedro Jose Infante Aparicio: First vice president at National Assembly.

- Domingo Antonio Hernandez Larez: Strategic Operational Commander at Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB).

- Elio Ramon Estrada Paredes: Commander at Bolivarian National Guard (GNB).

- Johan Alexander Hernandez Larez: Commander at REDI Capital GNB.

- Asdrubal Jose Brito Hernandez: Director of Criminal Investigations at DGCIM.

-Miguel Antonio Munoz Palacios: Deputy Director at Servicio Bolivariano de Inteligencia (SEBIN).

Today's actions build upon previous OFAC measures targeting over 140 Venezuelan individuals and 100 entities for anti-democratic actions or human rights violations. Prominent figures like Nicolas Maduro Moros have been under sanctions since 2017.

As a result of these designations, all property belonging to these individuals within U.S. jurisdiction is blocked. Transactions involving such property are prohibited unless authorized by OFAC. Financial institutions engaging with sanctioned entities may also face penalties.

OFAC stresses that its ultimate goal is not punitive but aims to induce positive behavioral changes among those designated. For information on removal from OFAC lists or other related queries, individuals are directed towards OFAC’s guidelines.

Further details on today's sanctions can be found through official channels provided by OFAC.