A former senior Justice Department attorney was denied permission to represent former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a federal lawsuit over alleged financial misconduct. The decision underscores heightened scrutiny of legal representation in high-stakes international cases involving sanctioned figures.
- Former DOJ attorney denied representation of Nicolás Maduro in a New York federal case
- Lawsuit seeks recovery of $1.2 billion in assets linked to PDVSA
- Court ruled due to conflict-of-interest concerns and prior government enforcement role
- Legal team now restricted to outside counsel not tied to federal agencies
- Case set for status conference on March 14, 2026
- Precedent potential for legal access of sanctioned foreign leaders
A U.S. federal court has rejected the application of a former Department of Justice official to represent Nicolás Maduro in a civil case filed in New York. The move comes amid ongoing legal proceedings related to allegations of money laundering and corruption tied to Venezuela’s state-owned oil company, PDVSA. The former DOJ attorney, whose identity was not disclosed in court filings, sought to join the legal team representing Maduro after his removal from office in 2019. The court’s ruling cited conflict-of-interest concerns and the official’s prior role in government enforcement actions involving Latin American financial systems. The decision bars the attorney from participating in any aspect of the litigation, including discovery, motions, or appearances. The case, which is being heard in the Southern District of New York, involves claims from U.S.-based investors seeking recovery of $1.2 billion in assets allegedly misappropriated during Maduro’s tenure. Maduro’s legal team, now restricted to outside counsel not previously employed by federal agencies, faces increased pressure to mount a defense under tight deadlines. The case has drawn attention from international financial regulators, as it may set a precedent for how former heads of state are treated in U.S. civil courts. The court has scheduled a status conference for March 14, 2026, to review the next steps in the litigation. The denial of representation highlights the U.S. government’s cautious stance on allowing individuals with prior enforcement experience to represent sanctioned foreign officials. It also reflects broader regulatory tightening around legal access for individuals associated with regimes under U.S. sanctions.