Explainer: What does Switzerland freezing “any assets” owned by Nicolás Maduro really mean?

Switzerland says it will freeze “any assets” it holds belonging to Nicolás Maduro. What assets does the deposed Venezuelan leader have in Switzerland, if any? And does Switzerland have to follow sanctions imposed by the United States? On January 5, Switzerland decided to freeze “any assets” held by former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro after the United States captured and charged him with drug trafficking. The government said that the steps taken against Maduro and 36 other Venezuelan citizens were a “precautionary measure” to prevent any existing assets leaving the country. It said the action targeted individuals, including Maduro, not previously subject to asset freezes. It remains unclear at this point whether the former Venezuelan leader has any assets in Switzerland. Lawyers Swissinfo spoke to suggest that previous Swiss sanctions mean local banks are unlikely to hold such funds. What measures were already in place against Venezuela ? Two laws allow Switzerland to freeze ...