Mexico’s President Denies Evidence Linking Venezuela’s Maduro to Sinaloa Cartel

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has stated that her government has no evidence connecting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to the Sinaloa Cartel, a prominent criminal network in Mexico.

Her comments on Friday followed an announcement from the United States that it would double its reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest, now set at $50 million.

The U.S. administration has alleged that Maduro has ties to the Sinaloa Cartel and other Venezuelan groups. Asked about these claims during her morning press conference, Sheinbaum said it was the first time she had heard such accusations.

“On Mexico’s part, there is no investigation that has to do with that,” she said. “As we always say, if they have some evidence, show it. We do not have any proof.”

Mexico continues to maintain diplomatic relations with Venezuela, while the U.S. does not officially recognise Maduro’s government. Over the years, Washington has imposed sanctions on Venezuelan officials and supported opposition figures as alternative leaders.

The U.S. reward for information on Maduro has risen over time — from $15 million during Donald Trump’s first term to $25 million in the final weeks of Joe Biden’s presidency. The latest increase comes during Trump’s second term in office.

Since January, Trump has dispatched envoys to Caracas, resulting in the release of U.S. citizens from Venezuelan custody and the resumption of deportation flights from the U.S. to Venezuela. However, Washington maintains its position of not formally recognising the Venezuelan government.

In recent remarks, U.S. officials reiterated their concerns about criminal networks operating across the Americas. Venezuela has rejected these allegations, with Foreign Minister Yván Gil calling them unfounded.