628. What is the objective of Executive Order (E.O.) 13850 of November 1, 2018, "Blocking Property of Additional Persons Contributing to the Situation in Venezuela"?

E.O. 13850 is designed to counter rampant corruption within the Government of Venezuela, which continues to exacerbate the economic and humanitarian crises afflicting the Venezuelan people. As we have worked to disrupt the Government of Venezuela’s sources of corrupt patronage, the Maduro regime has sought new means by which to enrich itself at the expense of its people. By issuing this E.O., the U.S. government is acting to prevent the regime and its corrupt associates from further exploiting Venezuela’s people and resources. The E.O. provides a powerful tool to impose costs on those who unjustly benefit from dishonest or fraudulent conduct, illicit activity, and/or deceptive transactions within Venezuela’s gold sector or other identified sectors, or in relation to the Government of Venezuela or its projects or programs.