The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced on Thursday that it has reinstated sanctions against Efrain Antonio Campo Flores and Franqui Francisco Flores de Freitas. These individuals are the nephews of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who were previously convicted of drug trafficking.
Campo Flores and Flores de Freitas were arrested and convicted of drug trafficking in the United States but were released by former President Joe Biden in 2022 and sent back to Venezuela.
Additionally, OFAC has reinstated U.S. sanctions against Carlos Eric Malpica Flores, another nephew of President Maduro. Malpica was initially sanctioned during President Donald Trump’s tenure, but those sanctions were lifted by the Biden administration.
“President Nicolás Maduro and his criminal associates are inundating the U.S. with drugs that are endangering American lives,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated. “These sanctions negate the Biden administration’s unsuccessful attempts to negotiate with Maduro and allow his oppressive rule to continue, harming both Venezuelans and Americans.”
Bessent further asserted, “Under President Trump’s leadership, the Treasury Department is holding accountable those involved in ongoing criminal activities.”
Campo Flores and Flores de Freitas are notorious in Venezuela; they’re often referred to as the “drug nephews.” They were arrested in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in 2015 while attempting to smuggle significant amounts of cocaine into the U.S., according to prosecutors.
A U.S. court found them guilty, and in December 2017, the two were sentenced to 18 years in prison on drug charges. However, in October 2022, Biden granted them clemency, and they were subsequently returned to Venezuela as part of a prisoner exchange.
OFAC indicated that, as of 2025, both Campo Flores and Flores de Freitas remain engaged in drug trafficking activities.
“OFAC designates Campo and Flores de Freitas under EO 14059 for their role in activities that significantly contribute to the international drug trade,” the statement mentioned.
In addition, sanctions against Carlos Eric Malpica Flores, who previously held a vital position as Maduro’s national finance secretary, have also been reinstated. Malpica was sanctioned in 2017 during Trump’s presidency for involvement in corruption tied to Venezuela’s foreign currency black market.
OFAC noted that the Biden administration lifted Malpica’s sanctions in 2022 amid failed negotiations intended to encourage Maduro to conduct “free and fair” elections. Unfortunately, these efforts did not restore democracy in Venezuela, as Maduro escalated his brutal governance and conducted sham elections in 2024.
“This action represents a continued effort by the Treasury Department to target the corruption, nepotism, and drug trafficking associated with Maduro’s regime,” OFAC reported. The statement also referenced Maduro’s family members who are involved in similar illicit activities.
Biden’s decision to release and return the drug nephews to Venezuela is viewed as one of the more significant concessions given to Maduro, second only to the release of Alex Saab in December 2023.
Saab, a Colombian believed to be a key financial figure for Maduro, was arrested in 2020. He faced trial for allegedly laundering substantial sums from Venezuela’s treasury before being sent back to Venezuela as part of a separate deal.
Finally, OFAC has sanctioned Panamanian businessman Ramon Carretero Napolitano for his connections with the Maduro regime and its family, along with six shipping companies involved in carrying sanctioned Venezuelan oil.
