Washington published indictment against Maduro: Reuters

• US Justice Department publishes criminal indictment against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Reuters reports the action as part of a broader US legal case.
• Charges stem from long‑standing US accusations including drug trafficking and narco‑terrorism, setting stage for his prosecution in New York. 

Reuters reports that the US Justice Department has formally published a criminal indictment against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro following his capture by US forces in an unprecedented military operation, according to US officials cited by the news agency. 

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been charged in the Southern District of New York with multiple alleged crimes, including narco‑terrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation conspiracy. Prosecutors also allege possession of machineguns and destructive devices and a broader conspiracy involving those weapons.

Read more: Colombia was “aware of potential plans” to abduct Maduro: CNN

Legal basis for prosecution

The indictment stems from long‑running US efforts to hold Maduro accountable for alleged involvement in international drug trafficking and other criminal activity. U.S. authorities have accused him of using the Venezuelan state to facilitate drug smuggling into the United States, though Maduro has consistently denied the allegations and rejected US claims as politically motivated. 

Read more: US strikes Venezuela, Trump says military “captured” President Maduro

Next steps in US courts

With the indictment now public, US federal prosecutors are expected to move forward with pretrial proceedings in the Southern District of New York, including arraignment and initial hearings if Maduro appears before a judge. The timing and location of those proceedings are likely to draw global attention as the United States presses its case.