The state of play is the following: Juan Guaidó, head of Venezuela's Congress, declared himself as caretaker president of the country. Guaidó based his move on an interpretation of article 233 of the Chavista Constitution, that establishes that when an absolute absence ("falta absoluta") happens by swearing in day (10 January), the Head of Congress must take charge and call for fresh elections within 30 days. Given that Nicolas Maduro's last electoral victory was not seen as legitimate, many countries pledged recognition to Guaidó, officially.

Notice mention to Paulo Nacif below:

U.S. Treasury sanctioned Raul Gorrin and his network today. Has-beens like Gonzalez Dellan and Claudia Diaz Guillen (pending extradition to the U.S. from Spain) have also been targeted. Gorrin, particularly, is a great addition to the SDN list, as he has become the Boligarch-in-favour to the Maduro/Flores power couple in many of their corrupt deals. Globovision, Gorrin's propaganda network, is also included in SDN List.

Further to infodio's exclusive about a joint services and offtake agreements signed between PPSA and EREPLA Services LLC, replies to request for comments put to Harry Sargeant have been received from Ali Hasan Rahman (see below). As per Hasan Rahman's comments, OFAC has the last word on the deal.

"As Director of EREPLA Services LLC and EREPLA Trading LLC, I would like to respond to the email that you sent Mr. Sargeant last week.

In response to your specific questions: