GENEVA, Jan 5, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The Swiss government said Monday it had decided to freeze any assets held in Switzerland by deposed Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro or his associates "with immediate effect".

"In doing so, the Federal Council (government) aims to prevent an outflow of assets," it said in a statement, stressing that "should future legal proceedings reveal that the funds were illicitly acquired, Switzerland will endeavour to ensure that they benefit the Venezuelan people".