The Swiss Federal Council has announced the freezing of all assets held in Switzerland by Venezuelan President Maduro and his close associates. This decision follows Maduro's capture and extradition to the United States by US forces. The asset freeze, effective immediately and lasting four years, aims to prevent the outflow of illicit funds and complements existing sanctions on Venezuela since 2018. Switzerland clarified that the freeze does not affect current Venezuelan government members and pledged to return any illegally acquired funds to benefit the Venezuelan people.