GUIDE
Is Diosdado Cabello in custody? No: he is still a minister and the US reward stands
Where he is
He is not in custody. He is still in Venezuela as Minister of Interior, Justice and Peace, a post he has held since August 2024 and kept in Delcy Rodríguez's government after Nicolás Maduro was captured on January 3, 2026.
The charges
He has been charged in the Southern District of New York since March 2020, on the same docket as Maduro (1:11-cr-00205), with narco-terrorism conspiracy, conspiracy to import cocaine and weapons offenses. The updated indictment of January 3, 2026 keeps him as a defendant. He has never been tried.
The reward
The US offers up to $25 million for information leading to his arrest or conviction. On September 17, 2026, a day after certifying Venezuela on drug cooperation, the State Department said the reward offers "remain in effect."
Timeline
- The State Department confirms the $25 million reward is still in effect. NTN24
- The US certifies Venezuela on drug cooperation for the first time in over 20 years. Rio Times
- Maduro is captured; the updated New York indictment includes Cabello. Wikipedia (case summary)
- The reward rises from $10 million to $25 million. US State Department
- He becomes Minister of Interior, Justice and Peace. Wikipedia
- He is charged in New York alongside Maduro; the US offers $10 million. US State Department
Other cases
- Where is Nicolás Maduro being held?
- Alex Saab pleaded guilty in Miami
- Venezuela today: what was said today
Sources
- NTN24 · US confirms the reward (Sep 17, 2026)
- Rio Times · US keeps the Cabello reward after clearing Venezuela on drugs
- US State Department · Diosdado Cabello Rondón (Jan 10, 2025)
- Wikipedia · Diosdado Cabello
Common questions
- Is Diosdado Cabello in custody?
- No. As of September 25, 2026 he is free in Venezuela and serves as interior minister.
- How much is the US reward for Diosdado Cabello?
- Up to $25 million. The State Department confirmed on September 17, 2026 that the offer remains in effect.
- What is he charged with?
- Narco-terrorism conspiracy, conspiracy to import cocaine and weapons offenses, in New York, in the same case as Maduro.
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