Pam Bondi Proposes $50 Million Reward for Capture of Socialist Leader

U.S. Offers Reward for Information on Maduro

On Thursday, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondy announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the State Department are putting forth a $50 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

The search for information regarding Maduro kicked off when the DOJ introduced a reward during President Donald Trump’s first term in 2020. In a video statement shared on Bondy’s social media, she described the new reward as “historic,” noting that it has increased from the original $15 million offered in 2020.

“Maduro is known to collaborate with foreign terrorist organizations to smuggle drugs and violence into our country. To date, the DEA has seized around 30 tons of cocaine linked to him and his associates,” Bondy stated. “He stands as one of the world’s most significant drug traffickers and poses a national security threat. That’s why we’ve doubled the reward to $50 million. Under Trump’s leadership, Maduro will face justice for his heinous crimes,” she added.

In addition to the initial reward, the DOJ previously issued indictments against Maduro and several close allies, accusing them of turning Venezuela into a hotspot for narcoterrorism. The charges, stemming from a 2020 indictment in the Southern District of New York, include conspiracy to import cocaine and illegal possession of firearms.

The situation in Venezuela spiraled into chaos in 2024, particularly after massive protests erupted following Maduro’s claims of victory in the presidential election. His opponents asserted that an independent body had actually garnered 70% of the vote, suggesting a significant loss for Maduro.