Venezuela's Stolen Oil Billions: US Captures Maduro Ally

U.S. authorities have captured a key ally of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The arrest throws a new spotlight on the country's vast oil wealth and its alleged theft. President Nicolás Maduro's government controls the largest proven oil reserves on Earth. Yet, Venezuela's oil industry has collapsed. Years of economic crisis and alleged corruption have left it in ruins. The recent capture is linked to a major corruption case. U.S. prosecutors allege a scheme stole billions of dollars from Venezuela's state-owned oil company. The funds were meant for public services and industry investment. This case highlights a stark contradiction. A nation sitting on unmatched oil riches faces severe poverty and a broken energy sector. The U.S. action signals continued legal pressure on Maduro's circle over alleged graft.