Giuliani: Federal Racketeering Charges Against Maduro Could Result in Billions in Illicit Wealth Seizures

By Jim Mishler | Saturday, 03 January 2026 02:41 PM EST

Former New York Mayor and federal prosecutor Rudy Giuliani stated that federal indictments against former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro could lead to massive financial and property seizures.

Giuliani explained that prosecutors specifically used racketeering charges against Maduro due to his involvement in drug trafficking. “The real value of a racketeering charge is that you can seize the business and take it away from them,” he said.

He predicted potential confiscation of billions of dollars in illicit gains, including drug infrastructure across Venezuela and its global operations. “So, assuming a conviction on some, if not all of the charges, we would stand to seize billions and billions of dollars in ill-gotten gains, which then could be used for our benefit, for the benefit of the people of Venezuela, and to destroy this animal,” Giuliani added.

Giuliani criticized Maduro’s criminal network for its damaging effects on America, citing drug trafficking operations, the Tren de Aragua, and support for Iran, China, and Russia. He also condemned former President Joe Biden for inaction against Maduro’s activities.

Giuliani expressed satisfaction with President Donald Trump’s current administration, calling it “an unbelievably great day” for Venezuela and Americans. He noted that it is too early to determine specific punishments for Maduro if convicted, though terrorism charges he faces could result in the death penalty or life imprisonment.

President Trump ordered special operations units to detain Maduro from his compound in Venezuela and apprehend his wife during the operation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that other criminally active leaders should take note as “Trump is changing the world.”