The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has taken significant action by sanctioning members of the Maduro-Flores family, as well as associates linked to Nicolás Maduro’s regime. This latest measure aims to disrupt the corrupt networks supporting Maduro’s administration.
Treasury Sanctions Target Maduro’s Inner Circle
On December 11, 2025, OFAC sanctioned Carlos Erik Malpica Flores, who is related to Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores. This designation was made under Executive Order 13692. Malpica Flores has been tied to corrupt activities associated with Venezuela’s state-run oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA).
Key Figures Sanctioned
The sanctions extend to immediate family members of Malpica Flores, whom OFAC determined to be complicit in transactions involving corrupt practices related to the Venezuelan government:
- Eloisa Flores de Malpica – Mother
- Carlos Evelio Malpica Torrealba – Father
- Iriamni Malpica Flores – Sister
- Damaris del Carmen Hurtado Perez – Wife
- Erica Patricia Malpica Hurtado – Adult Daughter
Additionally, OFAC has also targeted family members of Ramon Carretero Napolitano, another businessman closely involved with the Maduro regime. The newly designated individuals are:
- Roberto Carretero Napolitano
- Vicente Luis Carretero Napolitano
Consequences of the Sanctions
As a result of these sanctions, any property or interests held by the sanctioned individuals within the United States are now blocked. U.S. citizens must report these assets to OFAC, further reinforcing systems that prevent transactions with these individuals.
Entities owned at least 50% by any blocked persons are likewise affected and must adhere to OFAC regulations. Violating U.S. sanctions can lead to severe civil or criminal penalties. Financial institutions engaging in transactions with blocked figures may face significant risks and sanctions exposure.
Conclusion
The action by OFAC underscores the U.S. government’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and corruption stemming from Venezuela. These sanctions serve not only to punish but aim to incite a change in behavior among those linked to Maduro’s regime.
For more detail on the implications of these sanctions and additional information, please consult OFAC’s guidelines.
