U.S. accuses Nicolas Maduro of drug trafficking using cryptocurrencies

The U.S. Department of Justice has accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of drug trafficking andhiding cryptocurrencies related transactions.

In addition to the president, 14 more Venezuelan accusedofficials. The Department of Justice believes they are related to the multi-billion dollar cocaine distribution scheme, which has been harming American citizens for more than 20 years. It is assumed that it also includes drug traffickers, Colombian revolutionaries and terrorists.

“Venezuelan regime, led byNicolas Maduro is still steeped in crime and corruption. For more than 20 years, Maduro and a number of senior officials have been working together to distribute tons of cocaine to American communities, ”the statement said.

According to the deputy director of the bureauHomeland Security (HSI) investigations by Alysa Erichs Alysa Erichs used cryptocurrencies to conceal illegal proceeds. She emphasized:

“We intend to uncompromisingly identify andto prosecute individuals who violate US laws, abuse the financial system and try to use cryptocurrencies to continue illegal activities. Today’s charge will be a reminder that there is nothing higher than the law, and this applies to absolutely everyone, including influential politicians. ”

US authorities have not reported which cryptocurrenciesused in the proposed scheme. Recall that in 2018 Venezuela issued its own cryptocurrency Petro, backed by oil, and tried to introduce it into various aspects of the country's activities.

</p></p>