Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are expected to face new criminal charges in the United States over the alleged torture of Americans held in Venezuelan custody.
The charges could be announced as soon as Thursday, according to US officials and people familiar with the investigation.
The investigation concerns more than a dozen US citizens who were allegedly wrongfully detained in Venezuelan prisons during Maduro’s time in power.
US investigators have also discussed charging other people over their alleged roles in the mistreatment of American detainees, according to reports.
Allegations Against Venezuelan Officials
Several former detainees have described harsh treatment in Venezuelan prisons.
Matthew Heath and Osman Khan, who were released in a 2022 prisoner exchange, have alleged that they faced waterboarding, electric shocks, threats of sexual assault and solitary confinement.
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Six US oil executives known as the CITGO Six were also detained in Venezuela for nearly five years. Some of the former detainees have described severe conditions during their imprisonment.
A United Nations investigation previously found that Venezuela’s General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence, known as DGCIM, had used torture and other forms of ill-treatment against detainees.
The allegations included physical abuse, suffocation, electric shocks and deprivation of food and water.
Existing US Case Against Maduro
The expected charges would add to the criminal case already facing Maduro and Flores in New York.
US authorities captured the couple in Caracas on January 3 during a US military operation. They were subsequently brought to New York to face federal charges.
Maduro and Flores have pleaded not guilty to the existing charges.
Their current case includes allegations involving narcoterrorism and drug trafficking. They remain in US custody without bail.
A US official confirmed that new criminal charges are expected. Reuters reported that the charges could be announced as soon as Thursday.
More Defendants Could Be Charged
The investigation could expand beyond Maduro and Flores.
Sources familiar with the case said prosecutors have considered charges against additional people allegedly involved in the torture of Americans.
However, authorities have not disclosed the identities of those individuals.
They have also not released details about the evidence supporting the expected charges.
Maduro’s lawyer, Barry Pollack, told CBS News that he had not received notice that additional charges were imminent.
Legal Proceedings Continue
The new allegations would remain subject to the US judicial process.
Maduro, Flores and any additional defendants would be presumed innocent unless prosecutors prove the charges in court.
Flores is also scheduled to appear in federal court in New York over her request for release from custody. Her lawyers have cited health concerns and are seeking house arrest. Prosecutors oppose the request.
The existing case is expected to continue alongside any new proceedings.
A tentative trial date has been set for June 2027.
