Who is Vladimir Padrino? U.S. offers multimillion-dollar reward for former Venezuelan defense minister
The United States is offering a multimillion-dollar reward for the capture of Vladimir Padrino, former Venezuelan defense minister, who was dismissed by Delcy Rodríguez.
Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, dismissed Vladimir Padrino López from his role as Defense Minister on Wednesday. In his stead Gustavo González López will be taking over his role.
“We thank General-in-Chief Vladimir Padrino López for his loyalty to the nation and for having been, throughout all these years, the foremost soldier in the defense of our country,” she said in a statement posted on social media. “We are confident that he will take on the new responsibilities entrusted to him with the same commitment and honor.”
Padrino has been in the crosshairs of the United States government since 2019 when he was indicted and there is a substantial reward for information leading to his capture. The U.S. Department of State is offering up to $15 million for information leading to his capture on the now former Venezuelan Defense Minister, as he is identified in the notice as a member of the so-called Cartel of the Suns.
The notice also states that Padrino is charged with “conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine onboard an aircraft registered in the United States,” in addition to other drug-related offenses.
González, a Venezuelan military officer, is currently under sanctions from both the United States and the European Union over allegations related to corruption and human rights violations.
Who is Vladimir Padrino López?
Padrino was appointed Defense Minister by Nicolás Maduro in October 2014 and held the position until his dismissal in 2026. He played an important role during the brief coup attempt against Hugo Chávez in April 2002.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve my country as a soldier and to protect peace and national unity throughout all these years at the head of the Ministry of Defense. I am deeply grateful to Acting President Delcy Rodríguez for her words,” Padrino said.
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