Treasury targets oil traders, tankers accused of helping Maduro evade U.S. sanctions

Treasury sanctions four Venezuelan oil companies and blocks tankers allegedly helping Maduro's regime evade sanctions and fund government operations.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro looks on during a meeting at the National Assembly in Caracas, Aug. 22, 2025.  (Juan Barreto/AFP via Getty Images)

The action follows U.S. measures against Venezuela’s state-run oil company Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA).

OFAC designated PDVSA in January 2019 under Executive Order 13850, and President Trump later took additional steps to block PDVSA in August 2019 under Executive Order 13884, Treasury said.

Treasury said Wednesday’s move also complements actions announced Dec. 11 and Dec. 19 targeting PDVSA-linked officials, associates and vessels.

SECOND TANKER SEIZED NEAR VENEZUELA AS US ENFORCES OIL BLOCKADE

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced additional sanctions against Maduro-linked actors on Wednesday. (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Treasury said the goal of sanctions is to bring about a positive change in behavior, noting there is a formal process for seeking removal from an OFAC list consistent with U.S. law.

Jasmine Baehr is a Breaking News Writer for Fox News Digital, where she covers politics, the military, faith and culture.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/treasury-targets-oil-traders-tankers-accused-helping-maduro-evade-u-s-sanctions