In a high-stakes Manhattan case, Nicolas Maduro far along in his drug-trafficking and narcoterrorism proceedings added Anna Estevao, a lawyer with notable experience defending Sean “Diddy” Combs, to his defense team as trial approaches in Brooklyn.

Officials from the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office have declined to comment on the Maduro and related cases.

Judge Alvin Hellerstein ordered a protective measure barring the sharing of confidential evidence with unarrested co-defendants to guard sensitive material.

Judicial review of U.S. sanctions on Venezuela continues as Judge Hellerstein weighs whether OFAC licenses adequately balance national security with a defendant’s right to defense.

Maduro’s defense argues the January raid on his Caracas home was an unlawful abduction by U.S. forces, a challenge that Pollack says could affect the legality of Maduro’s capture.

Combs remains under a 50-month sentence after convictions on prostitution-related charges, and he is appealing while also facing separate verdicts on lesser counts.

Prosecutors warn that, if convicted, Maduro faces some of the harshest penalties available under federal narcotics and narcoterrorism statutes, underscoring the case’s gravity.

A June 30, 2026 conference was scheduled, with the intervening period excluded from speedy-trial calculations, effectively stretching timelines.

The sprawling narcoterrorism and drug-trafficking case involving Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores remains active in Manhattan federal court, marked by ongoing motions and strategic courtroom rulings.

Firm sources describe Pollack and Hoffinger as “kindred spirits” at Harris Trzaskoma LLP, highlighting the capability to manage high-profile, difficult cases.

Maduro and Flores both withdrew their motions to dismiss the indictment without prejudice, keeping open the possibility of later refiling as the case advances.

Lead defense attorney Barry Pollack cited sanctions-related hurdles in securing counsel of choice, with ongoing discussions about payment and roster updates.