Worth over $3 billion (£2.2bn) due to the rising price of gold, which has nearly doubled since 2021.
The dispute became a years-long legal "tug-of-war" in the London courts.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed that the gold will stay in storage until a government is officially recognized by the UK.
In late 2022, Venezuelan opposition lawmakers dissolved Guaidó's interim government, leaving the legal authority to access the gold in a state of limbo. 🌍 Global Impact Battle for control of Venezuelan gold continues - DW News
The UK Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that the judiciary must follow the government’s lead ("one voice" doctrine) and recognize Guaidó, effectively blocking Maduro's access.
The UK maintains a "no recognition" stance to pressure for a democratic transition. ⏳ Recent Historical Context
Approximately 31 metric tons of gold bullion.
The Maduro administration sued for access to the gold to fund pandemic relief.