Maduro in U.S. Custody: Bitcoin and Gold Surge Ahead of SDNY Arraignment

NEW YORK — Confirmation that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is in U.S. custody triggered a sharp "flight to safety" across global markets early Monday, sending Bitcoin to a three-week high and pushing gold prices to historic levels. Following a military extraction operation in Caracas over the weekend, Maduro has been transported to the United States and is expected to be arraigned in the Southern District of New York as early as today, Jan. 5.

The detention resolves days of speculation regarding the Venezuelan leader’s status following "Operation Absolute Resolve." U.S. officials confirmed the Jan. 3 operation involved Army Delta Force operatives and air support, targeting a military compound in Caracas. The Department of Justice states Maduro is being held on federal indictments for narco-terrorism and cocaine importation conspiracy.

The geopolitical shockwave was immediately priced in during early Asia trading. Bitcoin climbed 2.3% to $93,323—its highest level since Dec. 11—while gold breached $4,400 an ounce, setting a new record. Analysts attribute the move to institutional investors hedging against the uncertainty of a leadership vacuum in a major oil-producing nation.

"Bitcoin’s rally is driven by crypto-native firms and limited selling from miners and large investment funds," observed Sean McNulty, APAC derivatives trading lead at FalconX.

The market volatility aligns with anxiety over the transition of power. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed an "oil quarantine" remains in effect, and the State Department clarified that the U.S. does not intend to govern Venezuela directly, tempering earlier remarks from President Trump regarding temporary administration of the country.

Focus now shifts to the Federal Courthouse in Manhattan. With an initial appearance expected imminently, the release of processing materials—including a potential mugshot—could occur within hours. Legal experts view release on bond as highly improbable given the nature of the charges, signaling the start of a lengthy detention as proceedings commence.