Full Breakdown
Federal Judge Orders $314 Million Judgment Against Maduro Regime for Torture of U.S. Detainees
7/15/2026, 2:22:35 AM
Core Ruling
U.S. District Judge Darrin P. Gayles in Miami entered a default judgment awarding $314 million in damages to three American citizens—Jerrel Kenemore, Jason Saad and Edgar Marval—who were detained and allegedly tortured by a “criminal enterprise” led by former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The judgment, issued on July 14, 2026, named Maduro, businessman Alex Saab, five other individuals and the “Cartel of the Suns,” a purported drug-smuggling ring involving senior military officials, as defendants. The plaintiffs sued under the Anti-Terrorism Act, which permits U.S. victims of foreign terror groups to seize assets of their perpetrators.
Background & Context
The three men were freed in a secret 2023 prisoner exchange negotiated by the Biden administration, in which Venezuela released them in return for the release of Alex Saab, a businessman described by U.S. officials as Maduro’s “bag man” and then awaiting trial on money-laundering charges. Their complaints allege physical and psychological torture—including electrocution, stress positions and beatings—while held by Venezuela’s military intelligence police. Similar abuse allegations are under investigation by the International Criminal Court.
Key Figures & Groups
- Nicolás Maduro – former President of Venezuela, alleged leader of the criminal enterprise.
- Alex Saab – Venezuelan businessman, long-standing U.S. target for money-laundering prosecution.
- Delcy Rodríguez – acting President of Venezuela; her lawyers sought dismissal on sovereign-immunity grounds, a claim the plaintiffs dispute.
- “Cartel of the Suns” – alleged drug-smuggling network involving top Venezuelan military officials.
Official Statements & Responses
Judge Gayles wrote that the kidnappings were “just one of many crimes … committed in order to support Maduro’s dictatorial rule over Venezuela, which in turn allowed the Maduro Criminal Conspiracy to earn ill-gotten gains.” A lawyer for Saab declined to comment. Rodríguez’s legal team has not responded to requests for comment.
Verbatim Quote
“The kidnappings … were just one of many crimes … committed in order to support Maduro’s dictatorial rule over Venezuela, which in turn allowed the Maduro Criminal Conspiracy to earn ill-gotten gains.” — Judge Darrin P. Gayles, ruling (Miami, 2026)
