Judge Refuses to Dismiss Charges Against Ex-Venezuelan President Maduro

Maduro and wife Cilia Flores face drug trafficking and 'narco-terrorism' charges in high-profile U.S. case.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 8:05pm

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Ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, returned to a federal courtroom in Manhattan on Thursday as their criminal case in the United States continued. The judge rejected defense efforts to have the charges thrown out, though concerns were raised about Maduro's ability to fund his legal defense.

Why it matters

The case against Maduro represents a high-profile U.S. effort to prosecute alleged corruption and drug trafficking at the highest levels of the Venezuelan government. The outcome could have significant geopolitical implications as the U.S. and Venezuela remain at odds.

The details

Maduro appeared in court wearing prison attire and ankle restraints, and briefly greeted attendees. Judge Alvin Hellerstein made clear the case would proceed, rejecting defense motions to dismiss the charges. At issue is whether Maduro can access Venezuelan government funds - currently restricted by U.S. sanctions - to pay for his defense. His attorney argued this undermines his right to a fair trial, while prosecutors pushed back, saying Maduro should not be allowed to use 'a third party's money'.

  • Maduro and Flores were taken into U.S. custody during a pre-dawn military operation in Caracas in January.
  • An initial U.S. indictment was filed in 2020 against Maduro and other Venezuelan officials.
  • A more recent indictment expanded the charges, naming additional co-defendants and outlining accusations of conspiracy, drug importation, and weapons offenses.

The players

Nicolás Maduro

The ousted former president of Venezuela who is facing drug trafficking and 'narco-terrorism' charges in the U.S.

Cilia Flores

Maduro's wife, who is also facing charges in the high-profile U.S. criminal case.

Judge Alvin Hellerstein

The federal judge presiding over the case against Maduro and Flores.

Barry Pollack

Maduro's attorney, who argued that blocking access to Venezuelan government funds undermines his client's right to a fair trial.

Kyle Wirshba

The Assistant U.S. Attorney who pushed back against allowing Maduro to use state funds for his defense.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not going to dismiss the case.”

— Judge Alvin Hellerstein, Presiding Judge

“A defendant has no right to spend a third party's money.”

— Kyle Wirshba, Assistant U.S. Attorney

“I understand that the government of Venezuela is prepared to fund my legal defense and it is my expectation that it will. I have relied on this expectation and cannot afford to pay for my own legal defense.”

— Nicolás Maduro

What’s next

Judge Hellerstein did not immediately rule on the issue of whether Maduro can access Venezuelan government funds to pay for his defense.

The takeaway

The case against Maduro represents a high-stakes U.S. effort to prosecute alleged corruption and drug trafficking at the highest levels of the Venezuelan government, with significant geopolitical implications as the two countries remain at odds.