The Swiss government has taken strict measures against all assets in the country that may be related to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his close associates. Reuters, citing the Federal Government, reports that official Bern has decided to freeze these assets.
The Federal Council's statement emphasized that in the current situation, any funds or property that could be considered illegally acquired will not be allowed to leave the territory of Switzerland. That is, the main purpose of this decision is to prevent the "disappearance" of suspicious assets, their transfer to other jurisdictions, or concealment.
It is noted that the measure will take effect immediately and will be valid for four years. At the same time, it is said that this step will further complement the sanctions package imposed by Switzerland on Venezuela since 2018. Therefore, this decision is seen not as a separate phenomenon, but as a continuation of the existing policy.
It is important to note that the freezing of assets will not directly affect members of Venezuela's current government. However, it is emphasized that the decision applies to Maduro and his entourage within the framework of their status as "foreign politically significant persons." The government explained this as a preventive measure: first, the assets are securely "locked," and then the situation is clarified through legal valuation processes.
Another noteworthy point: the exact amounts and quantities have not yet been mentioned. Swiss officials did not answer questions about exactly what assets (even if they exist at all) Maduro or his associates could own in the country. Therefore, it is not yet clear whether we are talking about a large financial package or potential properties.
At the same time, Bern expressed his position more openly: if the funds found to have been obtained as a result of a violation of the law are identified, Switzerland will try to return them for the benefit of the Venezuelan people. This indicates that the decision can have not only political, but also legal and financial consequences.
In conclusion, this decision signifies a sharp increase in the risk of "invisible money" in the international financial system. For those around Maduro, there's only one signal: Switzerland is no longer in a "silent watch" regime regarding suspicious assets.
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