Maduro's US Defense Hampered by Sanctions, Lawyer Claims Payment Blocked

Sanctions Complicate Legal Battle as Former Venezuelan President Faces Drug Trafficking Charges

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The legal defense of Nicolás Maduro, the former Venezuelan president, is facing significant hurdles as US sanctions are reportedly blocking the Venezuelan government from paying his legal fees. Maduro's lead attorney, Barry Pollack, has publicly stated that the US Treasury Department is preventing Venezuela from transferring funds to cover his legal services, which he argues violates Maduro's Sixth Amendment right to choose his own attorney.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex interplay between international sanctions and due process, raising critical questions about the right to legal counsel and the broader implications of sanctions on judicial proceedings. The situation also unfolds against the backdrop of evolving US policy towards Venezuela, including recent licenses granted for American companies to engage in transactions with Venezuelan institutions.

The details

Maduro is currently detained in Brooklyn, facing charges of narcoterrorism and corruption following his capture with his wife, Cilia Flores, during a US-led military intervention in January. Pollack argues that the US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is interfering with Maduro's ability to pay for his legal representation, despite an initial license being granted on February 9th that was later modified to prohibit funds from the Venezuelan government from reaching Pollack.

  • Maduro and Flores were captured in January 2026.
  • On February 9th, 2026, a license was initially granted allowing payments for Maduro's legal fees.
  • Just hours later, the license was modified to prohibit funds from the Venezuelan government from reaching Pollack.
  • Maduro and Flores are scheduled to appear in federal court on March 26th, 2026.

The players

Nicolás Maduro

The former president of Venezuela who is facing charges of narcoterrorism and corruption.

Barry Pollack

Maduro's lead attorney, who has publicly stated that the US Treasury Department is preventing Venezuela from transferring funds to cover his legal services.

Cilia Flores

Maduro's wife, who is also facing charges and has reportedly been able to receive payments from Venezuela without issue.

Mark E. Donnelly

The attorney representing Cilia Flores.

Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)

The US Treasury Department agency that initially granted a license allowing payments for Maduro's legal fees, but later modified it to prohibit funds from the Venezuelan government.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex interplay between international sanctions and due process, raising critical questions about the right to legal counsel and the broader implications of sanctions on judicial proceedings.