US hits Chinese firm CEIEC with sanctions over Venezuela
- The Treasury Department accused the electronics company of supporting Maduro’s efforts to restrict internet and conduct cyber operations against opponents
- CEIEC allegedly provided software, training and technical expertise to entities of Venezuela’s government
The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on Chinese firm China National Electronics Import & Export Corporation (CEIEC), accusing it of supporting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s efforts to undermine democracy.
The US Treasury Department in a statement said the Chinese company supported the leftist government of Maduro in its “efforts to restrict internet service and conduct digital surveillance and cyber operations against political opponents”.
“The United States will not hesitate to target anyone helping to suppress the democratic will of the Venezuelan people and others around the world,” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in the statement.
Venezuela’s information ministry did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment about the Treasury’s announcement and asking for the government’s official policy on blocking web content.
CEIEC also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Venezuelans have for years said that their computers and phones cannot access certain websites linked to the opposition or some local news agencies that openly criticise the government.
