Switzerland immediately freezes all assets of Maduro in Switzerland
The Swiss government ordered on Monday, January 5, to "immediately freeze" all assets of the deposed Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro to "prevent capital flight."
In a statement, the Swiss government said that "others associated with him" are also affected by this measure, but "current members of the Venezuelan government are not affected."
Wife of Nicolas Maduro, Cilia Flores, as well as his relatives and former ministers are affected by this measure.
The Swiss government stated, "If subsequent judicial proceedings prove that these funds were obtained illegally, Switzerland will ensure that the funds are returned to the Venezuelan people."
The order to freeze assets is "immediately effective" and has a validity period of four years until further notice.
The Swiss government stated that the measure aims to "ensure that any illegally obtained assets cannot leave Switzerland under the current circumstances."
Previously, Switzerland had imposed sanctions on Venezuela under the embargo law, including asset freezing measures, which have been in effect since 2018. The sanctions announced today are an addition to existing sanctions.
The Swiss government stated, "The new freezing measures target individuals who have not yet been subject to Swiss sanctions."
After several months of cracking down on ships suspected of drug trafficking, the United States extradited 63-year-old Nicolas Maduro and his 69-year-old wife Cilia Flores to New York on Saturday, where they will face charges of "drug trafficking terrorism."
AFP said many countries question the legality of this US intervention, while the US calls it a "police action."
In special cases, such as after political subversion, Switzerland can take measures to prevent the withdrawal of funds from illegal sources.
By freezing assets, Switzerland allows the judicial authorities of the relevant country to request judicial assistance during criminal investigations. However, the responsibility for initiating the necessary criminal proceedings and proving the illegality of the source of funds remains with the judicial authorities of the relevant country.
In the past, after large-scale violent uprisings and the fall of multiple leaders in several countries, the Swiss government has taken precautionary freezing measures on the assets of former Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.
This March, Switzerland also strengthened the freezing of assets of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his close associates.
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Original: toutiao.com/article/1853537530200202/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.