The "Maduro Capture" and the Digital Reaction $BTC
In the hours following the news, Bitcoin ($BTC) and other major digital assets became the primary gauge of global risk appetite. Despite the magnitude of the military operation—which saw Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, flown out of Venezuela—crypto markets showed surprising resilience.
Bitcoin’s Stability: Early trading on Saturday showed Bitcoin holding steady near $87,000, defying expectations of a major "panic sell" or "safe-haven pump.
The "Animal Spirits": Analysts in the City of London have noted that while the immediate reaction was calm, the "Monday open" for traditional markets is expected to fuel significant volatility in crypto as it increasingly tracks traditional risk assets.
Oil & Crypto Connection: With Venezuela possessing the world’s largest oil reserves, the prospect of a pro-Western regime change is expected to lower global oil prices. This, in turn, may reduce inflationary pressures, potentially providing a "bullish" backdrop for Bitcoin in the coming weeks.
Why Venezuela Matters for Crypto ?
Venezuela has long been a global outlier in the crypto world. Faced with hyperinflation reaching 270% in late 2025 and a collapsing Bolívar, the nation had already become a leader in digital asset adoption.
The Lifeline: By the end of 2025, an estimated 10% of all grocery transactions in Venezuela were conducted in cryptocurrency.5
Stablecoin Dominance: The use of Tether ($USDT$) has skyrocketed as a means to circumvent U.S. sanctions and preserve savings.
Mining Ban Fallout: Just weeks before the strike, the Maduro government had intensified a crackdown on Bitcoin mining to save the failing power grid—a policy many expect a transitional government to reverse.
