U.S. sanctions two sons of Nicaragua’s co-presidents and others tied to the gold sector
The Facts
- The U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions on Thursday targeting two sons of Nicaragua’s co-presidents Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo.
- The sanctions also targeted additional individuals and companies connected to Nicaragua’s gold sector.
- U.S. officials said the sanctions cover five individuals and seven companies.
- The two sanctioned sons are Maurice Ortega Murillo and Daniel Edmundo Ortega Murillo.
- Santiago Hernan Bermudez Tapia, Nicaragua’s vice minister of energy and mines, was among those sanctioned.
- The U.S. said the sanctioned people and entities help generate funds for the Ortega-Murillo government and maintain political control in Nicaragua.
- The U.S. also said sanctioned parties were involved in the forced seizure or confiscation of U.S.-owned property in Nicaragua tied to the gold sector.
Context
Who were the highest-profile people sanctioned?
The most prominent names were Maurice Ortega Murillo and Daniel Edmundo Ortega Murillo, two sons of Nicaragua’s co-presidents Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo Daily Mail,WTOP,CRHoy.com | Periodi….
Why did the U.S. say it imposed these sanctions?
According to the Treasury Department and OFAC, the sanctions were aimed at people and companies the U.S. says help the Ortega-Murillo government raise money through the gold sector and are involved in confiscating U.S.-owned property in Nicaragua Reuters,Caracol Radio,Prensa Libre.
How broad was the sanctions action?
Multiple reports say the action covered five individuals and seven companies operating in or tied to Nicaragua’s gold industry Reuters,Deutsche Welle,europa press.
How left and right read it
The sanctions signal a more direct effort to pressure Nicaragua’s governing circle by targeting Maurice Ortega Murillo, Daniel Edmundo Ortega Murillo, and others tied to the gold sector. U.S. officials say the five individuals and seven companies help fund the Ortega-Murillo government, maintain political control, and were involved in forced seizure of U.S.-owned property.
Treasury’s move focuses on a regime’s revenue pipeline and the family members at its center, sanctioning Maurice Ortega Murillo, Daniel Edmundo Ortega Murillo, five individuals, and seven companies tied to gold. The U.S. says those targeted help sustain political control and were involved in confiscation of U.S.-owned property, underscoring both rule-of-law and national-interest concerns.
The receipts — 50 sources
Wire services (9)
Independent coverage (41)
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