Former Maduro Intelligence Chief “El Pollo” Carvajal’s Sentencing Delayed to 2026
MIAMI, FL – Hugo Carvajal, the former Venezuelan intelligence chief known as “El Pollo,” will have his sentencing in a U.S. federal court postponed until 2026, according to sources familiar with the case. The delay comes as Carvajal continues to cooperate with U.S. authorities,providing potentially damaging testimony regarding the inner workings of the Nicolás Maduro regime,including alleged links to drug trafficking,international money laundering,and support from external actors.
Carvajal, arrested in Madrid in 2019 and extradited to the United States in 2023 after a protracted legal battle, initially managed to halt his extradition through Spanish courts. He spent nearly two years evading authorities, even entering Spain under a false identity from the Dominican Republic before his eventual capture.
As a protected witness, Carvajal has reportedly detailed a network of illicit activities, including a passport scheme operated by former Vice President Tareck el Aissami, the involvement of Venezuelan military leadership in drug trafficking, and the financing of international leftist movements by the Maduro government. He also provided information regarding the movements of ETA members within Caracas.
His testimony has also implicated international figures. Evidence presented by Carvajal’s defense links the Venezuelan military leadership with the Cartel of the Suns, and alleges complicity in money laundering by certain international actors. Specifically, he has made accusations against former Spanish prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, alleging he secured a “favorable framework” for lobbying activities in Venezuela, with direct involvement in sectors like oil and gold.
Though, these accusations have been met with skepticism from some legal sources in Spain, who point to a “lack of documentary accreditation” and describe Carvajal as unreliable, even claiming he threatened to “invent” evidence against zapatero if necessary. Others maintain that Carvajal has provided U.S.authorities with precise data regarding Zapatero’s relationship with Venezuelan businessmen,including Jorge Rodríguez,brother of Delcy Rodríguez,and details of Zapatero’s ”financial footprint” and alleged payments from the Miraflores Palace.
carvajal’s cooperation is seen by some as potentially legitimizing future U.S. policy towards Venezuela,echoing plans considered during the Trump administration. His continued testimony is expected to be central to the U.S. government’s case against high-ranking members of the Maduro regime.