Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York are gearing up to file fresh charges against former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, for allegedly torturing American citizens detained in Venezuelan jails during his administration, according to an exclusive report by CNN released this Wednesday.
The formal announcement is expected as early as Thursday, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the investigation, the network reported.
These new allegations are in addition to existing charges of narcoterrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation, and weapons-related offenses. Both have pleaded not guilty and have been held without bail in New York since their capture in January.
Allegations of Unlawful Detention and Inhumane Treatment
The latest charges are connected to the allegedly illegal detention and mistreatment of over a dozen American citizens in Venezuelan prisons during Maduro's reign. Investigators are also considering charging other individuals involved in these abuses.
Among the most documented cases are those of former Marine Matthew Heath and Osman Khan, who were freed in a prisoner swap in October 2022 after being imprisoned for 752 and 259 days, respectively.
In a civil lawsuit filed in January 2025, both men claimed they were subjected to waterboarding, electric shocks, threats of sexual assault, administration of psychoactive drugs, and solitary confinement in a notorious cell known as "El Tigrito."
The CITGO 6 and DGCIM's Involvement
Also notable are the cases of the so-called "CITGO 6," six oil executives with American ties who were lured to Caracas under false pretenses in November 2017 and detained for nearly five years. Three of them—Tomeu Vadell, Alirio José Zambrano, and José Luis Zambrano—have filed lawsuits against their employer, Citgo, alleging physical and psychological torture.
All detainees were held in facilities run by the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM), which a United Nations report identified as responsible for "arbitrary detentions, mistreatment, and torture of political opponents and their families."
The report noted that DGCIM frequently used electric shocks, plastic bag suffocation, waterboarding, beatings, sexual violence, deprivation of water and food, stress positions, and exposure to extreme temperatures to "extract information and confessions, intimidate, and punish detainees."
Legal Maneuvers and Upcoming Court Actions
On Thursday, a hearing is also set in which Flores' attorney will request she be moved to house arrest before trial, citing heart issues. The prosecution formally opposed the request in late September, labeling Flores as an "extreme flight risk."
Legally, Maduro's defense is challenging the legitimacy of his capture, arguing he is entitled to immunity as a former head of state for actions taken during his tenure.
However, according to prosecutors, the current Venezuelan government has not sought immunity on Maduro's behalf.
Earlier in October, a key prosecutor in the case resigned, requesting to be removed from the case, raising questions about the progression of the trial.
The trial for Maduro and Flores is scheduled for June 1, 2027, with Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein set to hear defense motions on November 17, 2026.
Key Questions About the Legal Proceedings Against Maduro and Cilia Flores
What are the new charges against Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores?
The new charges include allegations of torturing American citizens detained in Venezuelan prisons during Maduro's presidency.
Who are the CITGO 6, and why are they significant in this case?
The CITGO 6 are six oil executives with American ties who were detained in Venezuela. Their cases are significant due to allegations of physical and psychological torture.
What role did the DGCIM play in the alleged mistreatment of detainees?
The DGCIM is accused of conducting arbitrary detentions, mistreatment, and torture of political opponents, using methods such as electric shocks and waterboarding.