In an unprecedented legal proceeding, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro entered a plea of not guilty in a New York federal courtroom on Monday, following what he described as his ‘kidnapping’ by U.S. forces from Caracas just 48 hours earlier. The dramatic appearance marks the first time a sitting world leader has been forcibly brought to the United States to face criminal charges.
The comprehensive 25-page indictment unsealed by U.S. prosecutors alleges Maduro, his wife Cilia Flores, his son Nicolás Ernesto Maduro Guerra, and three high-ranking Venezuelan officials operated a sophisticated narcoterrorism network dating back to 1999. The charges include four criminal counts: engaging in a cocaine-trafficking conspiracy with designated terrorist organizations, conspiring to import narcotics into the United States, and weapons violations involving machine guns.
Prosecutors assert the defendants ‘corrupted once-legitimate institutions’ to facilitate massive cocaine shipments through Venezuela knowingly destined for American cities. The indictment specifically names the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), Sinaloa and Zetas cartels, and Tren de Aragua criminal organization as conspirators—all designated terrorist groups by the U.S. government in February 2025.
According to court documents, Maduro allegedly provided law enforcement protection and logistical support for drug shipments during his presidency, while previously supplying passports to traffickers and facilitating diplomatic cover for money laundering operations. His wife, former leader of Venezuela’s National Assembly, is accused of accepting hundreds of thousands in bribery payments for ensuring safe passage of narcotics shipments.
The prosecution further alleges the couple commanded state-sponsored gangs that conducted ‘kidnappings, beatings, and murders’ against those who interfered with their operations. Other defendants include former interior ministers Diosdado Cabello Rondón and Ramon Rodriguez Chacin, accused of collaborating with Colombian traffickers and maintaining a FARC training camp, respectively.
Maduro’s defense team challenged the court’s jurisdiction, arguing their client enjoys immunity as a sovereign leader and that his forcible apprehension violated international law. Outside the courtroom, Maduro declared himself a ‘prisoner of war,’ while his wife’s attorney stated they ‘look forward to reviewing and challenging the evidence.’
Legal experts acknowledge the extraordinary nature of the capture potentially violates the UN Charter, but emphasize U.S. courts have historically permitted trials of defendants brought to the country through forcible means. U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein scheduled the next hearing for March 17 as the case progresses through the American justice system.