### Venezuela's Gold Exodus: A Financial Lifeline Amidst Crisis Between 2013 and 2016, Venezuela, under the leadership of Nicolás Maduro, exported approximately **113 metric tons of gold** to Switzerland, valued at around **$5.2 billion**. This significant transfer of gold occurred during a period marked by severe economic turmoil in Venezuela, as the country sought to stabilize its finances amidst a deepening debt crisis. The gold was primarily sourced from the Venezuelan Central Bank's reserves and was likely processed and certified in Switzerland before being transported elsewhere. The shipments were halted in 2017 due to the implementation of EU sanctions against the Maduro regime, which aimed to curb its access to international financial markets and resources [https://www.retailnews.asia/venezuelas-billion-dollar-gold-exodus-uncovering-the-secret-shipment-of-100-tons-to-switzerland][https://www.euronews.com/business/2026/01/07/flight-of-the-bullions-why-did-maduro-move-gold-to-switzerland]. ### Overview of the Situation: Key Segments 1. **Gold Shipments to Switzerland**: - Venezuela exported **113 metric tons** of gold to Switzerland from **2013 to 2016**. - The total value of these shipments was approximately **$5.2 billion** [https://www.newarab.com/news/venezuela-under-maduro-shipped-gold-worth-52-billion-switzerland]. 2. **Economic Context**: - The gold transfers were a response to Venezuela's escalating debt crisis, as the government sought cash and collateral to manage its financial obligations [https://www.euronews.com/business/2026/01/07/flight-of-the-bullions-why-did-maduro-move-gold-to-switzerland]. - The shipments ceased following the imposition of EU sanctions in **2017**, which restricted the Maduro administration's ability to export gold [https://en.haberler.com/it-has-been-revealed-that-maduro-transported-113-19435051]. 3. **Recent Developments**: - Following Maduro's capture by U.S. forces, Switzerland has frozen assets linked to him and his associates, affecting **37 individuals**. This action is part of a broader effort to prevent the outflow of potentially illicit assets [https://www.sharecafe.com.au/2026/01/07/switzerland-freezes-assets-of-maduro-associates][https://www.myjoyonline.com/switzerland-freezes-assets-linked-to-venezuelas-maduro-after-us-arrest]. 4. **International Response**: - The Swiss government has stated that the asset freeze will last for **four years** and aims to ensure that any illicitly acquired funds benefit the Venezuelan people if proven [https://www.thearabianstories.com/2026/01/06/switzerland-orders-immediate-freeze-of-assets-linked-to-maduro]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Gold Export Data**: - **113 metric tons** of gold exported from Venezuela to Switzerland between **2013-2016**. - Valued at approximately **$5.2 billion** [https://www.euronews.com/business/2026/01/05/switzerland-freezes-all-maduro-linked-assets-with-immediate-effect]. - **Asset Freeze Details**: - Switzerland's asset freeze affects **37 individuals** linked to Maduro, effective immediately and valid for **four years** [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3750101-switzerland-freezes-assets-linked-to-venezuelas-maduro]. ### Conclusion: A Complex Financial Landscape In summary, the **export of gold from Venezuela to Switzerland** during Maduro's presidency highlights the desperate measures taken by the Venezuelan government to navigate a severe economic crisis. The subsequent **asset freeze** by Switzerland following Maduro's capture underscores the international community's response to corruption and illicit financial activities associated with his regime. 1. **Gold shipments were a financial lifeline** for Venezuela amidst economic collapse. 2. **EU sanctions** halted these shipments in **2017**, limiting Maduro's financial maneuvers. 3. **Switzerland's asset freeze** reflects ongoing international scrutiny and efforts to reclaim illicitly acquired wealth for the Venezuelan populace. This situation remains fluid, with potential implications for both Venezuela's future and international financial regulations regarding politically exposed persons [https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2026/01/05/switzerland-freeze-maduro-assets-immediate-effect].