FBI Indicts Two Men in Alleged Maduro-Linked International Money Laundering Scheme

The FBI has announced indictments against two individuals accused of participating in an alleged international money-laundering operation that investigators say was connected to associates of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, including his children.

According to the FBI, the investigation began in 2019 when the Miami Field Office started examining information suggesting that Arick Komarczyk had allegedly opened bank accounts in the United States for Maduro's children and other associates based in the country. The FBI stated that Suspicious Activity Reports allegedly identified wire transfers received by Komarczyk from individuals and companies located in Venezuela.

The investigation later included an undercover operation in 2022. According to the FBI's allegations, Komarczyk and another individual, Irazmar Carbajal, agreed to transfer $100,000 that investigators believed represented funds connected to sanctioned members of the Venezuelan government. The FBI alleged that approximately $25,000 was ultimately transferred into the United States.

The bureau further stated that when Komarczyk was allegedly confronted about the transaction, he reportedly described the activity as “sexy business.”

Indictments Filed in Florida

On September 25, both Komarczyk and Carbajal were indicted in Florida.

According to the allegations, Komarczyk was charged with money laundering and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money-transmitting business, while Carbajal was charged with conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money-transmitting business.

These are criminal charges and allegations; guilt must be established through the judicial process.

The FBI said Carbajal traveled from Uruguay to the Dominican Republic but was deported on October 2. His deportation flight reportedly stopped in the United States, where FBI agents arrested him. Meanwhile, the FBI stated that Komarczyk was believed to be living in Venezuela at the time of the announcement.

FBI Officials Comment on the Case

FBI Director Kash Patel described alleged money-laundering operations connected to Maduro's government as financial support systems that could help sustain the regime.

He stated that the FBI would continue investigating financial networks, accounts and individuals allegedly involved in moving or concealing funds connected to sanctioned governments and international corruption.

FBI Miami Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles also said that alleged attempts to use third parties to evade sanctions or move funds through the U.S. financial system would be investigated.

According to Skiles, the indictments demonstrate the FBI's continued focus on alleged international money laundering involving governments and individuals subject to sanctions imposed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

Wider U.S. Position on Maduro

The case is part of the broader conflict between the United States and Maduro's government. The U.S. government has long challenged Maduro's legitimacy and has imposed sanctions on members of his administration and associated individuals.

The U.S. Department of Justice has also offered a reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest and/or conviction.

U.S. officials have repeatedly stated that they intend to investigate alleged corruption, sanctions evasion and money laundering connected to Venezuela and to prevent the American financial system from being used to move allegedly illicit funds.