Today, the United States imposed sanctions against active participants in a network of companies that transported oil stolen from the Venezuelan people under the guise of an oil-for-food scheme. This enterprise skimmed millions from funds that were claimed to have been for humanitarian aid, yet failed to deliver the promised food to the Venezuelan people. The illegitimate Maduro regime continues to steal Venezuelan resources to tighten its authoritarian grip over the Venezuelan people. Today's action is another warning that any individual or company that facilitates this theft will no longer enjoy access to the U.S. financial system. Maduro's corrupt regime is directly responsible for the political, economic, and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela.
The United States is steadfast in its support for Interim President Juan Guaido, the democratically elected National Assembly, and the Venezuelan people in their quest for a peaceful democratic transition. The United States calls on the international community to increase pressure against the Maduro regime until it relinquishes its illegitimate hold on power.
