Venezuela's National Assembly approved a law criminalizing tanker seizures and related acts, imposing fines and prison terms up to 20 years. The fast-tracked bill—not yet published in full—responds to recent U.S. seizures of two tankers Washington says are part of a fleet that evades sanctions. The measure directs the executive to create protections for businesses targeted by piracy or blockades and now awaits President Maduro's signature. At an emergency U.N. meeting, U.S. and Venezuelan envoys exchanged sharply contrasting accusations over the legality and consequences of the seizures.
Venezuela Moves To Criminalize Tanker Seizures After U.S. Intercepts Oil Vessels — Tensions Rise at UN
Evana, an oil tanker, is docked at El Palito port in Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Caracas — Venezuela's National Assembly on Tuesday fast-tracked and approved legislation that would make a wide range of acts that obstruct navigation and commerce — including the seizure of oil tankers — criminal offenses punishable by fines and up to 20 years in prison.
What the Bill Says
Read aloud on the assembly floor but not published in full, the bill targets those who "promote, request, support, finance or participate in acts of piracy, blockades or other international illegal acts" against commercial entities doing business with Venezuela. In addition to criminal penalties, the measure directs the executive branch to create "incentives and mechanisms for economic, commercial and other protections" for domestic or foreign companies transacting with Venezuela if they become the target of piracy, maritime blockades or related unlawful acts.
Rapid Passage and Political Context
The unicameral National Assembly — dominated by President Nicolás Maduro's ruling party — introduced, debated and passed the bill within two days. Lawmakers said the move responds to U.S. interception this month of two tankers carrying Venezuelan crude in international waters, which Washington says are part of a fleet Caracas uses to evade U.S. sanctions. The measure now awaits President Maduro's signature.
Lawmaker Giuseppe Alessandrello gives a speech during an extraordinary session at the National Assembly in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
U.S. Actions and Claims
U.S. authorities have publicly identified two seized vessels: the Panama-flagged Centuries and the Skipper (seized Dec. 10 with U.S. Navy assistance). Following the first seizure, President Donald Trump said the United States would enforce a "blockade" on Venezuela — language that heightened tensions and drew international attention.
U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz told an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting that sanctioned tankers "operate as the primary economic lifeline for Maduro and his illegitimate regime," and argued the United States will use sanctions to deprive Maduro of funds that Washington says help finance the so-called Cartel de los Soles.
Venezuela's Response at the UN
At the Security Council meeting called by Caracas, Venezuela's U.N. Ambassador Samuel Moncada accused the United States of acting "outside international law" and described the seizures as an "alleged naval blockade" intended to besiege Venezuela, weaken its institutions and pave the way for foreign aggression. Moncada also asked why the United States had appropriated nearly 4 million barrels of Venezuelan oil — a reference to the cargo aboard the two seized tankers.
Legal and Political Stakes
The U.S. has indicted President Maduro on narcoterrorism-related charges (2020) and the Trump administration recently designated the so-called Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization. Observers note that the term historically referred to corrupt, high-ranking military officers and has colloquially broadened to include other officials and activities tied to drug trafficking, illegal mining and fuel smuggling.
The crude oil tanker Skipper recently seized by the U.S. off the coast of Venezuela, seen as the ship was traveling in a southwesterly direction and positioned approximately 33 kilometers north of Guadeloupe, in the southern Caribbean Sea, Dec. 12, 2025. (©2025 Vantor via AP)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Many U.N. member states raised concerns about potential violations of international maritime law and the U.N. Charter, which requires respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. A limited number of countries, including Panama and Argentina, expressed support for the U.S. actions.
What Comes Next
The bill's final impact will depend on whether President Maduro signs it and how courts and international actors interpret enforcement measures. The episode is likely to further strain U.S.–Venezuela relations and complicate efforts by other nations to navigate legal and diplomatic responses to maritime seizures and sanctions enforcement.
Associated Press contributor Edith Lederer in New York also contributed to this report.
