The U.S. imposed sanctions on allies of Nicolás Maduro’s regime, a move executed by the Trump administration through the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the Department of the Treasury, aimed at Venezuela’s oil sector and individuals linked to corruption and drug trafficking, including Maduro’s nephews and Cilia Flores — Efraín Antonio Campo Flores and Franqui Francisco Flores de Freitas, as well as Carlos Erik Malpica Flores — who were redesignated for their illicit activities.
Individuals and entities connected to Maduro’s regime were targeted by these government actions, which were published by the OFAC in the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list. A businessman and six shipping companies, along with six vessels, were included for their involvement in sanction evasion and the transportation of Venezuelan oil, often using deceptive shipping practices.
The sanctions aim to increase pressure on Maduro’s regime to dismantle its financing networks and reverse previous Biden administration policies. The designations result in the blocking of all properties and interests of the sanctioned individuals under U.S. jurisdiction.
New U.S. Sanctions
On December 11, 2025, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury implemented a series of sanctions targeting individuals and entities linked to Nicolás Maduro’s regime in Venezuela. This action focuses on nepotism, drug trafficking, and sanction evasion within Venezuela’s oil sector.
The U.S. sanctioned allies of Nicolás Maduro, including key individuals such as three nephews of Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores: Efraín Antonio Campo Flores and Franqui Francisco Flores de Freitas, better known as the “narco-nephews,” who were convicted of drug trafficking in the U.S. and subsequently pardoned; as well as Carlos Erik Malpica Flores, a former high-ranking official of the Venezuelan dictatorship who is being redesignated. Additionally, Panamanian businessman Ramón Carretero Napolitano was sanctioned for his role in the oil sector.
Furthermore, the OFAC sanctioned six shipping companies and designated six oil tankers as blocked property. These entities are accused of transporting Venezuelan oil and using deceptive practices to conceal their operations, thus providing financial resources to Maduro’s regime.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that these measures seek to counter the flow of drugs into the U.S. while also holding the regime accountable for its “ongoing crimes.” The action is presented as a reversal of what is described as the “failed attempt by the Biden administration to reach an agreement with Maduro.”
Context and Justification for Sanctions
The Department of the Treasury indicated that these designations are an effort to counteract the illegal activities that support Nicolás Maduro’s regime, which it labels as “illegitimate” and “corrupt narco-terrorist.” The main justification is to disrupt the income sources generated by drug trafficking and oil sales, which are considered essential for Maduro’s grip on power.
Moreover, this represents a correction of previous policies by overturning “the failed attempt of the Biden administration to reach an agreement with Maduro,” adding that this approach did not succeed in restoring democratic values in Venezuela.
“Nicolás Maduro and his criminal associates in Venezuela are flooding the United States with drugs that are poisoning the American people. […] Under President Trump’s leadership, the Treasury is holding the regime and its circle of cronies accountable for their ongoing crimes.”
Designated Individuals
Four individuals were added to the Office of Foreign Assets Control’s (OFAC) Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list due to their connections to drug trafficking, governmental corruption, and sanction evasion.
The “Narco-nephews”: Efraín Campo Flores and Franqui Flores de Freitas
Two nephews of Cilia Flores, Efrain Antonio Campo Flores and Franqui Francisco Flores de Freitas, were designated under Executive Order 14059 for their involvement in the international drug trade.
Known as the “narco-nephews,” they were arrested in Haiti in November 2015 while negotiating the transport of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine to the United States.
They were convicted on drug trafficking charges in November 2016 but received clemency from President Joe Biden in October 2022. After returning to Venezuela, reports indicate that they continued their drug trafficking activities in 2025.
Redesignation of Carlos Erik Malpica Flores
Carlos Erik Malpica Flores, another nephew of Cilia Flores, was redesignated by the OFAC.
He served as Venezuela’s National Treasurer and as vice president of the state oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA).
He was first designated in July 2017 but removed from the SDN list in 2022 to encourage failed negotiations for the return of democratic elections.
The OFAC argues that since Maduro “continues to deny democratic values,” it is in U.S. foreign policy interest to maintain pressure on individuals connected to the regime. He was redesignated under E.O. 13692 as a current or former official of the Venezuelan Government.
Businessman Ramón Carretero Napolitano
Ramon Carretero Napolitano, a Panamanian businessman, was designated under E.O. 13850 for operating in Venezuela’s oil sector.
He engages in lucrative contracts with the Maduro government and maintains various businesses with the Maduro-Flores family, including partnerships in several companies.
He is accused of facilitating shipments of oil products on behalf of the Venezuelan government.
Entities and Ships Sanctioned in the Oil Sector
The OFAC designated six shipping companies and six oil tankers under E.O. 13850 for operating in Venezuela’s oil sector, an industry that, according to the Treasury, continues to finance Maduro’s regime.
The ships are accused of engaging in deceptive practices, such as manipulating their location transmissions to conceal the loading of Venezuelan oil.
Sanctioned Company (Registration) Designated Vessel (Flag) IMO Number Reported Activities
Myra Marine Limited (Marshall Islands) WHITE CRANE (Panama) 9323429 Loaded oil in Venezuela in October 2025. Used deceptive practices to hide its location.
Arctic Voyager Incorporated (Marshall Islands) KIARA M (Panama) 9285823 Loaded oil in Venezuela in September and October 2025. Heading to Asia for unloading.
Poweroy Investment Limited (British Virgin Islands) H. CONSTANCE (Panama) 9237773 Loaded Venezuelan oil in October 2025. Repeatedly manipulated its location transmissions.
Ready Great Limited (Marshall Islands) LATTAFA (Panama) 9245794 Made multiple shipments of Venezuelan oil to Asia during 2025. Manipulated its transmissions.
Sino Marine Services Limited (UK) TAMIA (Hong Kong) 9315642 Loaded and transported Venezuelan oil to Asia in June 2025. Manipulated its transmissions.
Full Happy Limited (Marshall Islands) MONIQUE (Cook Islands) 9311270 Loaded and transported Venezuelan oil to Asia in late May 2025.
Implications of U.S. Sanctions
As a result of these actions, the following consequences apply:
- Asset Blocking: All properties and interests in assets of designated individuals and entities located in the U.S. or under U.S. persons’ control are blocked and must be reported to the OFAC.
- Transaction Prohibition: OFAC regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within the U.S. involving any property or interest in property of blocked persons.
- Third-Party Risk: Financial institutions and other non-U.S. persons may expose themselves to penalties if they engage in certain transactions or activities with designated persons or entities.
- Criminal Penalties: Violations of U.S. sanctions can result in civil or criminal penalties.
The Treasury reiterates that the ultimate aim of the sanctions “is not to punish, but to provoke a positive change in behavior.”