Switzerland lifts asset freeze on Marlenys Contreras and Jorge Arreaza

The Swiss government has lifted the asset freeze on Marlenys Contreras, wife of Diosdado Cabello, and Jorge Arreaza, former son-in-law of Hugo Chávez and a member of the National Assembly elected in 2025, according to the digital outlet El Pitazo on October 16, 2026.

The initial measure adopted by the Swiss Confederation on January 5 affected 37 members of the administration of power in Venezuela, including close relatives of Cilia Flores. According to the news report, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs lifted those restrictions on Contreras and Arreaza after concluding that there were no indications of corruption or property belonging to them on Swiss territory.

In contrast to the unfreezing of the two politicians, the updated list now includes the Colombian businessmen Alex Saab and Álvaro Pulido. Both were previously handed over to US justice, where they face proceedings related to money laundering and corruption schemes linked to PDVSA and the sale of oil.

The Swiss Confederation's list now totals 41 people investigated for various cases of irregular management of public funds during previous administrations in Venezuela. The full coverage of these changes to international sanctions was originally published by El Pitazo.